Influence of village income generating activities on socio economic empowerment of rural women; a case of Bungoma South District

Abstract

The study was meant to assess the influence of village income generating programs on the socio-economic empowerment of rural women in Bungoma South District. It was to determine the effects of heifer international program one acre fund and village development committees of rural women on the empowerment of rural women in Bungoma South District. The study was guided by the following objectives: The influence of village income generating activities on income empowerment of rural women, the influence of village income generating activities on health empowerment of rural women, the influence of village income generating activities on asset acquisition empowerment of rural women, the influence of village income generating activities on agriculture empowerment of rural women and the influence of village income generating activities on basic needs empowerment of rural women. The study employed the ex-post facto research design. Systematic random sampling was used to select households in the rural areas with the help of the area administration officer who listed all their respective households on a sampling scale so that each household had an equal chance to be selected into the sample. The study used both structures and nonstructured questionnaires and documentary reviews to collect data from the respondents. Data was analyzed in chapter four then summarized then conclusions and recommendations made in chapter five. Data was presented on tables. The study findings showed a grater effect of VIG on income and lesser on health empowerment. The study suggests to the government, non governmental organizations dealing with women and all other stake holders to restructure the way they run VIGs so as to realize more meaningful socio-economic empowerment among women in Kenya. The findings should draw the attention of the government to strategize with the aim of attaining food security which is the basis for women empowerment in Kenya today