Access to finance is at the core of the development process and it is now widely accepted that well functioning financial systems are crucial for channeling funds for productive use, thus boosting economic development. Conversely, limited availability of financial services will have adverse effects, especially for those households made vulnerable by the effects of HIV/AIDS to livelihoods - making them resort to negative coping mechanisms. Drawn from the above scenario, this thesis therefore examines the need and availability of financial services at household level, their uptake of the same, and which coping mechanisms they engage in.

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