The study sought to examine causes for the establishment of group lending schemes by women groups in Zimbabwean high density urban areas. A qualitative study located in the interpretive paradigm was employed. A case study design of a purposeful sample of twelve women involved in three group lending schemes participated in the study. Focus group discussion and individual interviews were used to collect data. Content analysis was used to analyse data through emerging themes. The study established

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... a plethora of social, economic and cultural causations to the establishment of group lending schemes. The study concludes that faced with economic challenges, innovative measures are brought to the fore to deal with such challenges.