Non-Governmental Organisations and Poverty Reduction Among Rural Women

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