Advancing Communities of Learning: A Collaborative Project between Local Universities, Funding Agencies, and Nonprofits to Develop a Subsidized Senior-Transportation Plan

The growing population of seniors in the United States poses both interesting and challenging transportation policy issues that demand research on alternatives to current transportation systems. This study was motivated by a local foundation’s interest in senior quality-of-life issues in the communities served. The aim of this study was to assess senior transportation needs and systems as a means to move policy makers and funders closer to providing high-quality senior transportation services. The localized nature of senior transportation needs is best examined as a case study. In this article, one mid-sized Indiana community is examined using focus group interviews and individual surveys of senior citizens. In addition, a survey of the literature on senior-transportation models provided critical information relevant to formulating best-practice recommendations for community-level senior-transportation systems. To design effective senior-transportation systems, five critical factors are evaluated. Finally, the article presents a case study highlighting the importance of multisector collaboration in addressing the challenges and opportunities associated with critical senior-transportation issues in upcoming decades

Is microfinance the answer?: VISACA interventions in The Gambia

The primary goal of this exploratory study was to investigate how microfinance affects the lives of the rural men and women in The Gambia. Additionally, the study also investigated whether the institutional capacity of the Village Savings and Credit Associations (VISACAs) played any role in enhancing or inhibiting the microfinance intervention scheme. Using a mixed- methods approach, the study was conducted using several data collection tools. Questionnaires were completed by five national experts, and eight microfinance Technical Service Providers (TSPs) in the area of microfinance to gain a broad understanding of microfinance in the Gambia. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a random sample of 120 microloan recipients and 50 VISACA employees. The questionnaires and interviews were augmented with existing secondary data, participant observations, and field notes. A combination of descriptive statistics, regression, and chi-square analysis was used to examine the quantitative data. Qualitative data was analyzed by pulling themes and making sense of the themes. The study found that participation in microfinance leads to an increase in individual and household income and savings. The ability to better provide for one’s family also increased. While a number of the recipients accumulated some assets, a considerable number reported that acquiring those assets resulted from their participation in the microfinance program. The results of the regression analysis suggest that there was no significant relationship between changes in income and savings (dependent variables) and the strength of the VISACA. Furthermore, chi-square results indicated no significant relations between women’s empowerment and the strength of the VISACA. The themes that emerged from the qualitative analysis, for the most part complement the statistical findings. The need to strengthen the VISACAs through capacity building emerged as a central issue that needs to be addressed to ensure long-term sustainability.Ph. D.Includes bibliographical referencesIncludes vitaby Atta A. Ceesa