Digital Empowerment through Saving and Credit Cooperative Societies in Nepal: Evidence from a National Mixed-Methods Study

This study examines digital empowerment through Saving and Credit Cooperative Societies (SACCOS) in Nepal by assessing changes in digital empowerment before and after joining SACCOS, comparing outcomes between female and male members, and identifying factors associated with digital empowerment. The study used primary data from 638 SACCOS members, comprising 319 women and 319 men, selected from 20 SACCOS across all seven provinces of Nepal during fiscal year 2023/24. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, paired-sample t-tests, and Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression, complemented by evidence from Focus Group Discussions and Key Informant Interviews. Digital empowerment increased significantly after joining SACCOS among women (t = 25.657, p < 0.001), men (t = 28.869, p < 0.001), and the overall sample (t = 38.285, p < 0.001). Improvements were observed in mobile banking, ATM use, social media, email, online learning, and digital business activities. However, men recorded higher post-SACCOS digital empowerment than women. Training participation, higher education, and non-agricultural occupation were positively associated with digital empowerment, whereas female gender and older age were negatively associated. SACCOS are associated with substantial improvements in members’ digital empowerment, although gender and age disparities remain. Strengthening digital training, financial literacy, and inclusive digital services through SACCOS could help reduce these disparities.