E-Payment System in the Thyolo District. Risks, Opportunities and Challenges

Academic Paper from the year 2023 in the subject Social Work, , course: Master of Social Work in Community Development, language: English, abstract: This study explored the risks, opportunities and challenges of e-payment system of Social Cash Transfer Program in the Thyolo District. The specific research objectives for the study were to identify risks, explore opportunities and then assess the challenges of e-payment system of Social Cash Transfer Program in the Thyolo District. In order to have an in-depth understanding of the topic understudy, diffusion of innovation theory by E.M. Rodgers was used. This theory outlines how new technology and other advancements spread through the society from the introduction to widespread adoption. The study adopted a mixed research design where both qualitative and quantitative techniques were employed. Both probability and non-probability sampling techniques were used to select the sampled 411. Further, Key Informant Interviews (KIIs), survey questions and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) were used to collect its data. Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) was used to analyse quantitative data and thematic approach for the qualitative data. The study has established that Social Cash Transfer Program beneficiaries face somewhat risks, opportunities and challenges. Thus, the study recommends concerted efforts from various stakeholders to address the gaps in order to make e-payment a reality.