Abstract: This study investigates the effects of women’s self-help groups (WSHGs) on households’ livelihoods in Kalama Division, Machakos County. It specifically aims at establishing the effects of women’s SHGs on households’ income levels in Kalama Division, identifying the role of WSHGs on households' education level in the division, finding out the effects of WSHGs on households’ health status. The study was based on 165 respondents selected from existing registered groups in the study area. Data was collected using questionnaires and analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively using tables, graphs, pie charts and percentages.The study findings revealed that WSHGs improved household’s income and savings where most of the respondents reported increased incomes in their households. It was also established that Women SHGs affect household education positively mainly through increased income and awareness about education. Further, the study disclosed that WSHGs positively influenced household health because most members of women SHGs had relatively good health except for a few. Ability to access medical facilities also improved as a result of WSHGs. Finally, the study analysis revealed that training was the most preferred strategy for improving WSHGs. The study recommends for more funding and improvement of basic infrastructures such as roads.
Keywords: women’s self-help groups (WSHGs), households’ livelihoods, household health.
Title: SOCIO-ECONOMIC EFFECTS OF WOMEN’S SELF-HELP GROUPs (WSHGs) ON HOUSEHOLD LIVELIHOODS: A CASE OF KALAMA DIVISION, MACHAKOS COUNTY, KENYA
Author: Malavu, J., Odek, A., Wachira, W.
International Journal of Social Science and Humanities Research
ISSN 2348-3156 (Print), ISSN 2348-3164 (online)
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