CHAPTER FOUR: DATA ANALYSIS
AND INTERPRETATION
4.1. Introduction
This chapter analyzes data collected for the study and
interprets it to enable the researcher to draw conclusions in light of the
study objectives. It deals with elements that proved relevant in assessing the
role of commercial banks toward trade in rural areas. Findings of the study are
based on both primary and secondary data analysis, and are presented in the
form of tables, percentages and descriptions.
4.2. Description of the area
under the study
4.2.1. The history of the Banque
Populaire du Rwanda S.A
The project of Banque Populaire du Rwanda is one of the fruits
of the co-operation between the Swiss confederation and the Republic of
.Rwanda. Then the principal idea was centered on the installation of a network
of the co-operatives of saving and credit in order to contribute to the
collection of the deposits especially in rural area and to reinvest them in
projects of development.
Thus, in June-July 1971, a Swiss commission made feasibility
studies which proved to be conclusive and at the end of which an agreement
would be signed in Bern (in Switzerland) the 7th December 1972.
However, the operational phase did start that with the creation of BP de NKAMBA
in ex-Commune of KABARONDO, in the ex-Prefecture of KIBUNGO on August
04th, 1975. The periods which followed were characterized by the
creation of the new Popular Banks. In 1986, the Union des Banques Populaires
du Rwanda (UBPR) was born thus replacing the office of direction (of
orientation).
Before 1994 the UBPR joined together 131 Popular Banks. The
members were counted with 356779 people, with 455020291 Rwandan francs of
deposits. The genocide and the war of 1994 put an end to this evolution, much
of members were assassinated, others fled, and the Popular Banks were
plundered. However, the period post genocide was characterized by activities
of rehabilitation which made that the Popular Banks of Rwanda retake their
activities. Thereafter, the Popular Banks were spread everywhere in the
country.
Nowadays, Banque Populaire du Rwanda S.A maintains a network
of 18 branches, over 109 sub-branches and 61 outlets in all provinces of the
country. It employs 1460 staff number and has a capital of 5,800,000,000 Rwf.
BPR Motto is «BANKI YACU, HAFI YACU»; English
meaning: Our neighborhood bank.
4.2.2. Mission and vision of Rwanda People's Bank
BPR's
mission is still wholly in line with the original strategy of its founding
banks. The main difference being the national approach and the extension of its
products. In short: «To be the leading retail bank of Rwanda» BPR
will provide a full range of financial services in the urban and the rural
areas in a market-driven and financially sustainable way, historically based on
cooperative characteristics. Special emphasis will be on providing a wide range
of financial services to farmers, agribusiness enterprises, private individuals
and micro- as well as SME types of businesses». BPR vision is to be the
leading retail bank of Rwanda.
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