Abstract:
The study assessed the contribution of Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) in poverty
reduction among rural women in Siha district. Simple random sampling and purposive
sampling were applied to get the targeted respondents. The study applied questionnaires,
documentary review in-depth interviews and direct observation to obtain both primary and
secondary information. Generally, different types of supports were mentioned namely:
incentives, credit, study tour, legal aid and training. Types of income generating activities
identified were poultry keeping, livestock rearing, food vendors, selling local brew, kiosk,
selling vegetable, selling charcoal and farming. Moreover, the study showed improvement or
income generating activities and household income after accessing loan from women groups
formed by women themselves under supervision of Kilimanjaro Women Information
Exchange and Consultancy Organization (KWIECO). Other improvements are observed
particularly on the ability to establish new business, ability to buy house equipment and ability
to incur health expenses. Among the challenges mentioned by respondents were insufficient
skills of running business, and failure in attending trainings that are conducted during the
weekdays when women have a lot of household chores. The study recommended on provision
ol' training at appropriate time and place where women can reach easily, and learn freely
