Abstract:
The major objective of the study was to investigate factors affecting the Growth performance of
saving and credit cooperatives in Gisheworeda, North Showa, Amhara regional state of
Ethiopia. The study utilized a mixed-method approach, incorporating both qualitative and
quantitative research methodologies. The total sample of the study was 352 respondents with a
response rate of 99.147%. The primary data needed for this purpose was collected using
structured questionnaires, and interviews, and secondary data was collected from published or
unpublished, annual reports and journal articles. In this study both descriptive and inferential
statistics such as mean, standard deviation, correlation, and multiple regression analysis were
used through SPSS Version 26 software. Based on the findings, information technology, dividend
policy, management skills, and membership size have positive effects on the Growth performance
of saving and credit cooperatives in Gisheworeda, while loan default has a negative effect. The
regression analysis coefficients show that information technology (β 0.308, p = 0.000), dividend
policy (β = 0.318, p = 0.000), management skills (β = 0.171, p = 0.000), and membership size (β
= 0.149, p = 0.000). While loan default (β = 0 -.070, p = 0.033). Accordingly, the researcher
concluded that focusing on information technology adoption, implementing appropriate dividend
policies, improving management skills, attracting more members, and minimizing loan defaults
are crucial for enhancing the growth performance of saving and credit cooperatives in
Gisheworeda. This implies that the SACCOs should focus on investing in IT infrastructure,
implementing prudent dividend policy management practices, actively recruiting new members,
strengthening risk management practices, fostering a culture of good governance and
transparency, and continuously investing in developing and strengthening management skills of
staff are essential for SACCOs to achieve sustainable growth.
