Contribution of women’s income generating activities to household income in Kigoma urban district, Kigoma region, Tanzania

Abstract

This study presents the findings on the contribution of women’s income generating activities (IGAs) to the household income in Kigoma Urban District. The overall objective of the study was to assess the extent to which women’s IGAs contributed to household income. The specific objectives were: to identify types of IGAs undertaken by women in the study area, determine contribution of women’s IGAs to the household income, and lastly to determine factors affecting performance of women’s IGAs. The study adopted cross-sectional research design where structured questionnaire using open and closed ended questionnaire was used to collect primary information from a sample size of 120 respondents. Data analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) computer program version 12.0. Descriptive statistics such as means, frequencies and percentage were computed. Chi-square and t-test statistics were applied to find out relationship between variables. Study identified that selling of agriculture related products (spice, cereals, palm oil, fruits and vegetables) to be the most economic activities undertaken by women in the study area. The finding from the study shows that IGAs undertaken by women in the study area have positive margin cost. Furthermore t-test analysis revealed that women’s income contribution to household per month was statistically significant as compared to incomes contributed from other members of household (P<0.05). The study also identified access to credit and training to be the major constraints for development of IGAs undertaken by women in the study area. Therefore in order to improve women’s IGAs performance, the study recommended the following: development planners, policy makers and development agencies at national and local level should strongly recognize the social and economic importance of IGAs undertaken by women in both urban and rural areas. Furthermore, government is advised to formulate policies that ensure women are given priorities in accessing economic resources.