Role of Heifer In-Trust schemes in Smallholder Household’s Well-Being in Semi-Arid Region of Shinyanga, Tanzania
Loading...
Date
2015
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
RJSSM
Abstract
Livestock-In-Kind Credit schemes has been used all-over the world to help the rural poor invest
and save. Investment in livestock enables the rural poor to overcome shocks/risks and alleviate
poverty. The Heifer in-Trust Schemes (HIS) was initiated in Shinyanga Region (semi-arid) to
help reduce food and income insecurity of smallholder households. However, there exists an
information gap on the schemes role to the beneficiaries’ well-being. As such, this study aimed
at determining the role of heifer-in-trust schemes in smallholder household’s wellbeing. It
adopted a cross-sectional research design. Data from 202 randomly selected HIS beneficiaries
were collected using a structured questionnaire. In addition, five focus group discussions
(FGDs) were conducted to supplement the data collected through the questionnaire. Results
showed that the dairy enterprise was the major source of food and income. Results further show
that households’ food security increased in terms of the number and diversity of meals taken per
day and income increased from milk and animal sales. It is concluded that investing in dairy
farming is vital for smallholder households’ well-being.
Description
18p
Keywords
Heifer in-trust schemes, Smallholder farming households, Well-being, Semi-arid, Tanzania