Browsing by Author "Lukuvi, Mossy"

Now showing 1 - 1 of 1
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    Consumer protection in microfinance services in mainland Tanzania: a critical analysis of the law
    (Mzumbe University, 2019) Lukuvi, Mossy
    This study examined the extent to which consumers of microfinance services in Mainland Tanzania are protected under the current legal framework. Specifically, it entailed the exploration of the legal framework for financial consumer protection in microfinance services in Mainland Tanzania, an examination of the extent to which consumers in microfinance services are protected under the existing legal framework, and recommended reforms in the existing legal framework so as to enhance financial consumer protection in microfinance services. The study deployed more doctrinal research where a documentary review was conducted by reviewing various materials including Statutes, Books, Journal Articles, conference papers, theses, and online materials. The study also conducted a little field research where in-depth interviews and questionnaire survey were used to collect data from the respective respondents. The findings reveal that consumers of microfinance services are not adequately protected under the current legal and supervisory framework. It has been found that there is an inadequate institutional arrangement for the regulation of microfinance service providers, the over-arching mandate of the BoT, over-reliance of regulations to prescribe substantial matters, absence of data protection and privacy legal framework as well as the absence of comprehensive mechanisms for disputes resolutions. In light of the above findings, the study recommends the following: (a) enactment of a new and standalone legislation on Financial Consumer Protection;(b) enactment of a new standalone legislation on data protection and privacy; (c) reconciliation between the NMP 2017 and the Microfinance Act; and (d) hasten the process of making regulations as an alternative route in addressing factors that hinder effective protection to consumers of microfinance services.