Effects of Women Participation in Self-Help Groups on Households’ Economic Status in Tinderet Sub-County, Nandi County, Kenya

Abstract

The involvement of women in Self Help Groups is justified as it serves the welfare of its members through savings, investment, capacity building and loan services. However, in Tinderet Sub-county women still encounter limitations and fewer opportunities, especially in regards to income-generating activities and social status that the government would consider best practice in pursuance of achieving sustainable rural development. The study objective was to establish the effects of women participation in self-help groups on their economic status in Tinderet Sub-County. The study was guided by social network theory. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design which was both quantitative and qualitative research approach. The target population comprised of all registered women self-help groups in Tinderet Sub-county, which was 122 with 1220 members. The study used interview schedule for members and direct observation to collect data. The data collected was qualitative data and quantitative data. Qualitative analysis entailed organizing qualitative data into themes and patterns relevant to the research objective. Quantitative data collected were summarized into frequencies and percentages by the help of statistical package for social science (SPSS) version 20. The results showed that the income level of women increased after joining SHGs. Members had greater self-confidence and can make decisions regarding the household needs. The study recommends that women should be regular and punctual in their monthly contributions. The study results are expected to serve as a guideline in formulating policies and improvement of women self-help groups.