Perceptions of Digital Financial Services in Rural Fiji

Finau, Glen and Rika, Nacanieli J. and Samuwai, Jale and McGoon, James (2016) Perceptions of Digital Financial Services in Rural Fiji. Information Technologies and International Development, 12 (4). pp. 11-21. ISSN 1544-7529

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Abstract

This article examines rural dwellers’ perceptions of digital financial services (DFS) to identify which factors may enhance or impede their adoption. The article is based on a survey and follow-up interviews in rural Fijian communities with relatively low income levels. In Fiji, DFS are provided by mobile network operators, either individually or in collaboration
with commercial banks. The provision of these services is consistent with policies of the Fijian government
and The Reserve Bank of Fiji, which advocate financial inclusion as a means of promoting economic growth and enabling citizens to more efficiently receive remittances and welfare payments. However, the survey findings indicate
that DFS uptake is hindered by agents’ lack of liquidity and the implicit costs that agents impose on consumers. In addition, consumers tend to fully spend the funds received through mobile money, but fail to use their mobile phones
for saving purposes.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > H Social Sciences (General) H Social Sciences > HC Economic History and Conditions
Divisions:	Faculty of Business and Economics (FBE) > School of Accounting and Finance
Depositing User:	Glen Finau
Date Deposited:	20 Feb 2017 00:11
Last Modified:	15 Jun 2022 21:33
URI:	https://repository.usp.ac.fj/id/eprint/9611

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