Women’s participation in income generating activities : the case of women groups in Mbarali District
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Date
2014
Authors
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Journal ISSN
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Publisher
Sokoine University of Agriculture
Abstract
The main objective of the study was to assess women’s participation in income generating
activities (IGAs) in Mbarali District, Tanzania. Data were collected using various methods
including interviews and focus group discussions. The Statistical Package for Social
Sciences (SPSS) was employed in analyzing the obtained data on income generating
activities. Specifically the research focused on: types of IGAs in the District, level of
women’s participation in IGAs and factors influencing women’s participation in IGAs.
The study further assessed social and institutional challenges facing women participating
in groups meant for IGAs. Cross-sectional research design was employed. The findings
show that women in IGAs groups usually sold agricultural products, namely rice, maize,
beans vegetables and fruits. Levels of women participation in IGAs groups were
significantly influenced by the amount of fee contributed and number of meetings attended
per year. The study further found that the motive behind women engagement in IGAs
groups were: education for children, expansion of enterprises, and meeting of household
necessities, future savings and renovation of houses. Moreover, social and institutional
challenges identified included: inadequate credit sources and trainings on entrepreneurship. The study recommends government institutions to increase and maintain
good policies on women groups training, and make sure that money lenders reduce interest
rates and extend grace period to improve women participation. On the other hand, women
group members should use the loans for the purpose applied.
Description
The Degree of Master of Science in Agricultural Education And Extension
Keywords
Women’s participation, Income generating, Women groups, Mbarali District