Paper short abstract:

Social networks of friendships and family relations influence a range of outcomes for community members. The paper shows how social networks influenced and negotiated within the context of externally initiated programs impact on health outcomes for members.

Paper long abstract:

Whereas documentation of Village Savings and Loans Associations (VSLAs) programs in several African countries exists, little is known about their impact beyond increased access to income for members. Too often studies have portrayed VSLAs as spaces for financial inclusion of the poor, improved livelihood and a source of social capital for their members. The aim of this paper is to show that the value (or lack of it) of membership in VSLAs is not confined to financial benefits, but rather the social networks of friendships and social relations that predate the introduction of VSLAs. Based on ethnography of VSLAs conducted between 2012 and 2014 in Luwero district, Uganda; this paper examines women participants' experiences in VSLAs showing the influence of a diverse range of social networks on how they make decisions concerning health and get assistance from members. The findings show that VSLAs accord the space within which women exercise agency in exploiting the social resources that inhere in social networks in their community. Such resources although non-medical achieve health outcomes for the members. This nexus is critical for health promotion. The findings underscore the need to understand the influence of social networks of friendships and family relations negotiated within externally initiated programs such as VSLAs on health outcomes.