Women Self-help Projects and Their Contribution to the Family Welfare: a Case Study of Gichugu Division, Kirinyaga District

Abstract

Self-help is an important aspect of development in Kenya. This is because the success of any ~community depends largely on the community members willingness to co-operate. This study attempted to establish the~-contribution of women self-help groups' to the family welfare of members in Gichugu Division. The study also tried to find out whether factors such as leadership, culture and membership influenced the success or failure of women self-help groups in the area. The study is based on data collect~d between July and October 1993. It was collected from a sample of 50 women groups in the area of study. The data were derived from primary as well as secondary sources. The primary sources included the survey technique, participant observation and key informant technique. On the other hand, secondary sources included library research and Government statistical abstracts. The study concludes that better incentives must be provided to women self-help groups and extension workers. On the part of extension staff, this will attract, retain and motivate them to perform their duties effectively and efficiently. On the part o-f women s..elf-help groups, this will. make their self-help,projects a success.

Suggestions are also made on how women group leaders can be effectively involved in extension services so as to improve the performance of self-help groups in rural areas.