IMPACT OF SELF-HELP GROUPS’ AGRICULTURAL …...impact of self-help groups’ agricultural...

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IMPACT OF SELF-HELP GROUPS’ AGRICULTURAL

ACTIVITIES ON FARM WOMEN

ASHWINI P. BANNATTI

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION EDUCATION

COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE, DHARWAD

UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES,

DHARWAD - 580 005

MARCH, 2015

ii

IMPACT OF SELF-HELP GROUPS’ AGRICULTURAL

ACTIVITIES ON FARM WOMEN

Thesis submitted to the

University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad

in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of

Master of Science (Agriculture)

in

AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION EDUCATION

By

ASHWINI P. BANNATTI



UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES,

DHARWAD - 580 005

MARCH, 2015

iii



UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES, DHARWAD

CERTIFICATE

This is to certify that the thesis entitled “IMPACT OF SELF-HELF

GROUPS’ AGRICULTURAL ACTIVITIES ON FARM WOMEN”

submitted by Miss ASHWINI P. BANNATTI for the degree of MASTER OF

SCIENCE (AGRICULTURE) in AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION

EDUCATION to the University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad is a record

of research work carried out by her during the period of her study in this

university, under my guidance and supervision, and the thesis has not

previously formed the basis for the award of any degree, diploma,

associateship, fellowship or other similar titles.

DHARWAD (S. V. HALAKATTI) MARCH, 2015 CHAIRMAN

Approved by :

Chairman : ____________________________

(S. V. HALAKATTI)

Members : 1. __________________________

(K. V. NATIKAR)

2. __________________________

(GANGA V. YENAGI)

3. __________________________

(H. T. CHANDRANATH)

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

““““TTTThank You”, hank You”, hank You”, hank You”, two words of sentiment expressed from depth of my heart for

the sustained help and co-operation from those whom I received. It’s my pride, pleasure, respect and a special debt of gratitude to acknowledge and remember them.

It is always immense and immeasurable pleasure to applaud the auspicious personality who has the character of kind benevolence, consummate and care taking affairs in other welfare. Here I am in hunt for words to express my pleasurable feelings and thankfulness to my well wisher cum Chairman of Advisory Committee, Dr. S. V. HALAKATTI, Associate Professor, Department of Agricultural Extension Education, College of Agriculture, Hanumanamatti, University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad, for his thought provoking, inspiring and valuable guidance in planning and execution of my research work.

I convey my special thanks to Dr. K. V. Natikar, Associate Director of Agriculture, Directorate of Extension, UAS, Dharwad, member of my advisory committee without whose help I would not have crossed the stage so well. I acknowledge with sincere thanks that the encouragement, helpful comments and suggestions given by the other members of my Advisory Committee, Dr. Ganga V. Yenagi,,,, Professor of Psychology, College of Agriculture, Hanumanamatti, Dr. H. T. Chandranath, Professor, Department of Agronomy, University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad.

I am equally thankful to all teaching and non-teaching staff members of the Department of Agricultural Extension Education, University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad for their even bit of help guidance and valuable suggestion that has contributed in a great way to this research study.

I remain indebted to my beloved parents, brothers, sisters and friends who helped me in collection of data.

I convey my whole hearted thanks to M/s Anup Computers, DharwadM/s Anup Computers, DharwadM/s Anup Computers, DharwadM/s Anup Computers, Dharwad for their meticulous typing of the manuscript neatly, timely and more vitally his co-operation and affection towards me.

………any omission in this small manuscript doesn’t mean lack of gratitude.

DHARWAD

MARCH, 2015 ( Ashwini P. Bannatti Ashwini P. Bannatti Ashwini P. Bannatti Ashwini P. Bannatti )

v

C O N T E N T S

Sl. No

Chapter Particulars

CERTIFICATE

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

LIST OF TABLES

LIST OF FIGURES

LIST OF PLATES

LIST OF APPENDICES

1 INTRODUCTION

2 REVIEW OF LITERATURE

2.1 Concepts and definitions of SHG

2.2 Profile of self-help group members

2.3 Agricultural activities/IGAs undertaken by the SHG members

2.4 Impact of agricultural activities/IGAs on SHG members

2.5 Constraints experienced by the SHG members in undertaking agricultural activities/IGAs

3 METHODOLOGY

3.1 Research design

3.2 Locale of the study

3.3 Brief description of the study area

3.4 Selection of taluks and villages

3.5 Selection of respondents

3.6 Operationalization and measurement of variables

3.7 Procedure followed for data collection

3.8 Statistical tools used

4 RESULTS

4.1 Profile of farm women of self-help groups

4.2 Agricultural activities undertaken by the SHG members

4.3 Reasons for undertaking the agricultural activities

4.4 Benefits derived from the agricultural activities by the women

4.5 Profit utilization pattern of the SHG members

4.6 Impact of self-help group on agriculture development

4.7 Problems faced by the SHG members in undertaking agricultural activities

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Contd…..

Sl. No

Chapter Particulars

5 DISCUSSION




5.4 Monitory and non-monitory benefits derived from the agricultural activities by the SHG members


5.6 Impact of self-help group on agriculture development of the women


6 SUMMARY AND POLICY IMPLICATIONS

REFERENCES

APPENDICES

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LIST OF TABLES

Table No.

Title

1 Profile of the women SHG members

2 Agricultural activities taken up by the SHG members

3 Reasons for taking agricultural activities

4 Monitory and non-monitory benefits derived from the agricultural activities by SHG members

5 Profit utilization pattern of the SHG members

6 Distribution of respondents based on the dimensions of agriculture development

7 Impact of self-help groups on agriculture development of its members

8 Impact of SHG on annual income of its members

9 Impact of SHG on Asset acquisition of its members

10 Impact of SHG on expenditure pattern of its members

11 Impact of SHG on crop productivity of its members

12 Impact of SHG on cropping pattern of its members

13 Impact of SHG on employment generation of its members

14 Problems faced by the SHG women

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LIST OF FIGURES

Figure No.

Title

3.1 Map of Karnataka showing the study district

3.2 Map of Dharwad district showing study area

1 Profile of the women SHG members

2 Agricultural activities taken up by the SHG members

3 Reasons for taking agricultural activities

4 Profit utilization pattern of the SHG members

5 Impact of SHG on annual income of its members

6 Impact of SHG on crop productivity of its members

7 Impact of SHG on cropping pattern of its members

8 Impact of SHG on employment generation of its members

9 Constraints experienced by the SHG women

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LIST OF PLATES

Plate No.

Title

1 A view of Azolla cultivation in paddy field of a farm woman

2 A view of vermicomposting unit in the field of a farm woman

3 A view of honey bee cultivation in the field of a farm woman

4 Researcher with a farmer who have grown agricultural crop + horticultural crops (Cotton+Mango+Sapota)

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LIST OF APPENDICES

Appendix No.

Title

I Interview schedule

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1. INTRODUCTION

“Woman is the builder and moulder of nation’s destiny. Though delicate

and soft as lily, she has a heart, far stronger and bolder than of man... she is

supreme inspiration of man’s onward march”.

- Rabindranath Tagore.

In the history of human development, woman has been as important as

man. In fact, the status, employment and work performed by women in society

are the indicators of a nation’s overall progress. Without the participation of

women in national activities, the social, economical or political progress of a

country will be stagnated.

Men have not been fair to the fair sex in economic life. Average

women’s earnings in most countries are lower than those of men.

Professionally, women have confined their activities to such areas as

education, office work, nursing and medicine. Though women constitute

almost half of the population, their representation in gainful employment is

comparatively low.

In India, about 50 per cent of total population constitutes women, but

women workers constitute only 16 per cent of total population. Out of this 16

per cent, 80 per cent remains employed in unorganized sectors. Unless

women contribute economically, the country cannot progress. The role of rural

women in economic activities was brought to limelight by the world

conference on “An Agrarian Reforms and Rural Development” in 1979. The

conference pledged equal participation for women along with men in social,

economical and political processes of rural development.

In traditional societies, women had been confined to the four walls of

the home, household affairs and family rituals and customs. Very few had the

opportunity to come out of four walls and shine in different spheres.

Our society is unequal. Rich and powerful echelons of the society take

a major share of benefits and the majority of the society i.e. poor section has

always been deprived and marginalized. One such common ill in our society

is that women are exploited while their labours are utilized for livelihood. Many

of the working women in rural areas are dynamic in nature and their

participation in rural areas is considerably significant.

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Economic development plays an important role in the improvement and

growth of any society. The importance of promoting women to engage in

economic activities is being increasingly realized in all developing countries.

The need is twofold:

i) To empower women by bringing them into the main stream of

development and improving their economic status; and

ii) To provide new employment opportunities by way of income

generation, self employment and entrepreneurship to women from

different socio-economic status.

In recent years, women have come in forefront in different walks of life

and all competing successfully with men despite the social, psychological and

economic barriers.

It is only during the last 5-10 years, women have started becoming

entrepreneurs and started business and they are yet to go a long way to be at

par with men. The situation is quite understandable, as women have to play a

dual role as a housewife and also as an income earner. Thus arise a conflict-

many a women, which prevent them from taking a prompt decision in entering

the business. Despite the modernization and other factors, the weight of

tradition and the responsibilities the women have to discharge to their children

as mother slows down this movement.

Agriculture

India is mainly an agricultural country and a very large number of

people are engaged in agricultural occupation. The rural sector in India also

plays a predominant role in the development of the economy. Indian

agriculture as is well known has been starved of capital investment, firstly

because of poverty or low levels of income of majority of the farming

community and secondly, because of Indian agriculture has traditionally been

considered “a way of life” and not “a business proposition”.

In the rural areas, women constitute nearly 50 per cent of the country’s

population and constitute about 66 per cent of the agricultural work force.

Around 48 per cent self employed farmers are women and 64 per cent of the

informal sector work force depending on agriculture is women. Rural women

have, since many centuries, been putting in unfathomable, unbearable and

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inadequately paid joyless drudgery to earn for their families livelihood and

provide food security to the country’s 1.13 billion people (Amrit Patel, 2010).

Rural women play a major role in developing the economy and to

participate in all stages. They have been the invisible contributors to the

production process. Women were endowed with entrepreneurial skills,

particularly in business. Basically women’s status in the society was not

satisfactory. The credit facilities were not extended to women and hence they

depended upon their husbands and parents. These are the reasons why

women did not enter into business. This can be eliminated through forming

voluntary association i.e., Self-Help Groups.

Self- Help Groups

The origin of SHGs is from the brainchild of Grameen Bank of

Bangladesh, which was founded by Mohammed Yunus. Self-help groups

were formed in 1975. In India NABARD initiated SHG in 1986-87. But the real

effort was taken after 1991-92 from the linkage of SHGs with the banks. An

SHG is a small economically homogeneous affinity group of the rural poor

voluntarily coming together to save small amount regularly, which are

deposited in a common fund to meet members’ emergency needs and to

provide collateral free loans decided by the group (Vasanthi and Gowri, 2012).

It was only after mid 1990’s that most rural women slowly and steadily

found opportunity to access credit through the efforts of NGOs to form and

nurture self- help groups and then link them to financing banks. SHG bank

linkage programme has covered 3.47 million SHGs and 45.1 million

households. More than 90 per cent SHGs comprise women borrowers.

Women, despite their unbearable hardships and commitments to their

children, food, health and education, have beyond doubt demonstrated their

loyalty to financing banks through over 95 per cent repayment of loans (Amrit

Patel, 2010).

Role of SHG in Agriculture Development

In rural areas, agriculture and allied sector employed 89.5 per cent of

total female labour. Women’s average contribution, in overall farm output, is

estimated at 55 per cent to 66 per cent of the total employment in dairy sector

(Amrit Patel, 2010). The women could easily manage the cattle as a part time

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activity, without disturbing their routine work. Cattle could be maintained on

agricultural by-products with a small quantity of feed concentrate to generate

nutritious milk as well as farm yard manure for agriculture. As milk had good

demand, dairy farming was an excellent opportunity for small farmers and

women to ensure their livelihood. Women contributed 51 per cent of total

employment in forest based small scale enterprises. The agricultural activities

promoted by SHGs from Government and private agencies are dairy

husbandry, water resource management, afforestation on wastelands,

promotion of improved agriculture through agro-forestry and eco-friendly

farming practices. Thus, SHG programme aims at sustainable livelihood and

empowerment of farm women in all the sectors.

Very few studies are available related to impact of self help group

agricultural activities on farm women. This study has been designed mainly to

focus on impact of SHG agricultural activities on its women members and also

the constraints that are experienced by rural women in undertaking the

agricultural activities.

With this background, the present study “Impact of Self-Help Groups’

agricultural activities on farm women” has been formulated with following

objectives.

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES

1. To analyze the profile of Self-Help Group members.

2. To document the agricultural activities undertaken by the SHG

members.

3. To study the extent of impact of agricultural activities on SHG

members.

4. To identify the problems faced by the members of the SHGs in

undertaking agricultural activities.

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

The earlier studies have concentrated on development of rural women

through income generating activities, of late there is a major scope for Agro-

based enterprises. The present study is likely to provide valuable information

to the Government and Non- Government agencies and other associated with

SHGs about the extent of impact of agro-based activities on the rural women

5

through self help groups and the factors influencing the implementation of the

agro-based activities.

LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY

It is a single student investigation, which placed limitations on time,

resources etc. which obviously lead to the purposive selection of the locale of

the study.

The study is based on the expressed opinions of respondents, which

may not be free from their individual perception and bias in spite of the

researcher’s best efforts to get them as objectively as possible.

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2. REVIEW OF LITERATURE

A conceptual frame work for the study based on the ideas and

concepts gathered from review work of existing literature of both

theoretical and empirical nature will facilitate planning the study in a

comprehensive manner. It also helps to know the previous research

work done in that area and acts as a torch for the new researchers.

Better ways are needed to generalize the research findings from

laboratory studies to operational settings, from one experimental study

to another and from one operational setting to another.

The proposed study is new in its subject treatment. However,

an attempt is made here to put together some of the closely related

research findings on the area. The literature survey on different

dimensions is presented in the following subheads.





2.5 Constraints experienced by the SHG members in undertaking

agricultural activities/IGAs


Jha (2000) reported that an SHG is a small economically

homogeneous family group of the rural poor voluntarily coming

together to save small amounts regularly, which are deposited in a

common fund to meet members emergence needs and to provide

collateral free loan decided by the group.

Rao (2002) stated that SHGs have been recognized as a useful

tool to help the poor and as an alternative mechanism to meet the

urgent credit needs of poor through thrift.

Das (2003) defined SHG is a tool to remove poverty and

improve rural development.


2.2.1 Age

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Gangaiah et al. (2006) studied impact of self-help groups on

income and employment. They revealed that 67.3 per cent of the

selected women members belonged to the age group of 26-40 years

and 11.9 per cent of them to the age group of up to 25 years.

Sarada et al. (2007) from their study on socio-economic and

psychological profiles of rural women in self-help groups reported that,

majority of the rural women were young aged (60%).

Bhagyavathi et al. (2008) in their study on participation level of

farm women in entrepreneurship activities under self-help groups

reported that, age was not found to be significantly related with the

participation level of farm women in all agricultural activities of self-

help groups.

Balakrishna and Tamilselvi (2009) conducted a study in

Dindigul district of Tamil Nadu state. The study revealed that, nearly

half of the (47.3%) respondents were aged between 20-30 years,

followed by 23 per cent of them aged between 30-40 years.

Chitagubbi et al. (2011) conducted a study on the usefulness of

self-help group membership to women for empowerment and revealed

that, 34 per cent of the respondents belonged to the age group of 36-

45 years, followed by 26-35 years (30%) and 18-25 years (23.75%)

and only 12.25 per cent of them belonged to 46 years and above.

Laxmi and Vadivalaghan (2011) studied impact of Self-Help

Groups on empowerment of women in Dharmapuri district, Tamil

Nadu. They observed that majority (35.5%) of the SHG members were

in the age group of 30-40 years followed by 27.35 per cent of them

were in between 20-30 years and remaining 26.8 per cent of the

members were in the age group of 40-50 years.

Vasanti and Gowri (2012) conducted a study on women

empowerment through self-help groups in Tirupur city and reported

that majority (40%) of women members belonged to the age group of

30-40 years followed by 32 per cent of them belonged to 40-50 years

and 20 per cent of the members belonged to 20-30 years.

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Kappa Kondal (2014) studied on women empowerment through

self-help groups in Andra Pradesh and revealed that 39 per cent of the

respondents are in the age of 20-30 years followed by 33 per cent

respondents are in the age of 40-60 years, 17 per cent are in the age

of less than 20 years and 11 per cent are above 60 years. The

majority of women in SHG found to be relatively young.

2.2.2 Education

Narayanswamy et al. (2005) conducted a study on micro-credit:

Driven rural enterprises- lessons from SHGs assisted under SGSY

scheme and reported that around two-thirds of them were illiterates

(61.26%).

Gangaiah et al. (2006) in their study reported that 35.6 per cent

were illiterate members and 64.4% were literate members.

Balakrishna and Tamilselvi (2009) in their study reported that

nearly half (47.3%) of SHG members have studied up to secondary

level and the illiterates formed 38%.

Laxmi and Vadivalaghan (2011) in their study reported that 8.7

per cent of the members were illiterates, 6.5 per cent of them have no

formal education but know to read and write, 14.3% of the women

have education from class 1st to 5th, 19.3 per cent were in the category

of 5th to 9th class, 18.3% of them were educated up to SSLC level,

23.3 per cent of them have education up to plus two and 8.7% of the

members were undergraduates.

Sindhuja and Sreedevi (2011) conducted a study on self-help

groups and women’s empowerment. They reported that majority (79%)

of the rural and 45 per cent of urban SHG respondents had education

below high school level. About one third (31%) of rural SHG members

and 10 per cent of urban SHG members were illiterates.

Jyothi et al. (2013) in their study on impact of IGA on the socio-

economic and cultural conditions of rural women beneficiaries of

KSFMBC project described that there was an increase in percentage

change due to income generating activity taken after joining SHG in

the determinant like family education (22%).

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2.2.3 Marital status

Narayanswamy et al. (2005) reported from their study that

nearly 15per cent of the SHG members were widows.

Joseph and Easwaran (2006) conducted study on SHGs and

tribal development in Mizoram and reported that majority (76.92%) of

respondents were married followed by 20.51 per cent of them were

divorced/widow and remaining 2.6 per cent of respondents were

remarried.

Balakrishna and Tamilselvi (2009) in their study reported that

nearly 72 per cent of respondents were married and 23 per cent were

unmarried.

Laxmi and Vadivalaghan (2011) from their study reported that

53 per cent of the respondents were married, 85.3 per cent of them

were married, 8.3 per cent were widow and 1 per cent of the

respondents were divorcee.

Sindhuja and Sreedevi (2011) reported that majority (93% &

74%) of rural and urban SHG members were married followed by 4

per cent and 21 per cent of respondents were unmarried and 3 per

cent and 1 per cent remaining members were widows from rural and

urban areas respectively.

Kumar (2014) reported that out of 495 trainees in 8 batches 446

trainees (90.10%) were married and 32 trainees were unmarried

women (6.46%) and 17 were widows (3.43%).

2.2.4 Family type

Bharathi (2005) in her study on Assessment of entrepreneurial

activities promoted under NATP on empowerment of women in

agriculture reported that majority of respondents (57.5%) belonged to

nuclear families and 42.5 per cent belonged to joint families.

Balakrishna and Tamilselvi (2009) from their study revealed that

majority (77%) of them belong to nuclear family and the remaining

(23%) were from joint family.

Aiyasha et al. (2012) in their study on social capital status of

women SHG members producing Trichoderma reported that majority

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(78.1%) of the women members belonged to nuclear family followed

by 21.9 per cent of members belonged to joint family.

Kasthuri et al. (2014) conducted a case study of self-help

groups in Dharmapuri district and reported that the large number of

SHG members do not live in joint family system. Only 6.7 per cent of

women SHG members line in joint family system.

2.2.5 Family size

Gangaiah et al. (2006) from their study reported that the

average size of the women member’s family is 5 members consisting

of 2 children and 3 adult persons as an average. It seems that the

members of SHGs were having an ideal size of family.

Joseph and Eswaran (2006) reported that majority (61.54%) of

members belonged to medium family size (4-6) followed by 28.21 per

cent of them belonged to large size (7 & above) and 10.26 per cent of

the women members belonged to small (3 & below) size of the family.

Aiyasha et al. (2012) from their study observed that majority

(68.7%) of members have medium (4-6 members) size of the family

followed by 21.8 per cent of them belonged to joint family (> 6

members) and 9.5 per cent of the women members belonged to large

size of the family.

Kasthuri et al. (2014) reported from their study that more than

51.2 per cent of the members belong to the family size of 4 members.

As far as small family is concerned, 18.8 per cent of the respondents

belong to it.

2.2.6 Caste

Narayanswamy et al. (2005) from their study observed that

around one-third (33.29%) of SHG members belonged to scheduled

caste.

Gangaiah et al. (2006) from their study reported that 53.4 per

cent of the members belonged to weaker sections i.e., SCs, STs and

backward caste in rural areas.

Shylendra et al. (2010) in their study on the role of SHGs as

micro-financial intermediaries in Sabarkanth district of Gujarat found

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that majority (58%) of SHG members belonged to other backward

category (OBC) followed by 38 per cent of members belonged to ST

group.

Sindhuja and Sreedevi (2011) observed that a higher

percentage 79 per cent of rural and 63 per cent of the urban SHG

respondents belonged to backward castes.

2.2.7 Occupation

Manay and Farzana (2000) in their study on socio-economic

characteristics of rural women in Kamasandra village in Doddaballapur

taluk of Bangalore rural district reported that agriculture was the main

occupation of the village and 81 per cent of the family possessed dairy

which is the important secondary occupation.

Narayanswamy et al. (2005) from their study found that around

two- thirds (65.43%) of SHG members were agricultural labourers.

Joseph and Easwaran (2006) from their study on SHGs and

tribal development in Mizoram reported that majority (94.87%) of

respondents had agriculture as their main occupation followed by 5.12

per cent respondents had dairy farming as their subsidiary occupation.

Mamoni et al. (2010) conducted a study on impact of training of

skill and knowledge development of rural women. Their study revealed

that majorities (80%) of the women were engaged in farming and 20

per cent had their own business running from their homes like

weaving, tailoring unit etc.

Shylendra et al. (2010) from their study reported that 55 per

cent of members had adopted agriculture as their main occupation

followed by 25 per cent of members were labours and 13 per cent

were perceived dairy as their primary occupation.

Reshma (2011) in her study on impact of BAIF promoted

livestock production activities on women empowerment in Karnataka

reported that more number of the farm women (70.83%) were

practicing livestock keeping and 12.50 per cent were noticed in

livestock keeping and agriculture respectively. Whereas only 8.33 per

12

cent were practicing livestock keeping and agriculture along with

activities like business.

Sindhuja and Sreedevi (2011) reported that majority (53 %) of

the rural and 34 per cent of urban SHG respondents were non-

agricultural labourers followed by 18 per cent rural and 54 per cent

urban SHG respondents were doing business and others. Only 29 per

cent and 12 per cent of rural and urban SHG members were

agricultural labourers.

Kumar (2014) conducted study on profile of SHG-women

trainees in dairy farming in Theni District of Tamil Nadu and reported

that among 495 trainees, 398 trainees (80.40 %) had agriculture and

other allied activities as their main occupation with dairy animals as

their subsidiary occupation where as 97 trainees (19.60%) had non-

agricultural occupation.

2.2.8 Achievement motivation

Suresh (2004) in the study on entrepreneurial behaviour of milk

producers in Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh indicated that 61.25

per cent of the dairy entrepreneurs had medium achievement

motivation, followed by 20.42 per cent of low and 18.33 per cent in

high level achievement motivation.

Tripathy (2004) revealed that the success of the economic

activities taken up by the self employed persons largely influenced the

poor people. The poor people were motivated by the decision making

process and broader financial base of the groups in their village. They

were expressed by the assets created by the group members and

realized that group approach through SHGs is the only means to

achieve desired goals.

Deepak (2003) from his study on perception of beneficiaries

and non- beneficiaries towards WYTEP programmes in Dharwad

district reported that almost equal majority of 74.67 per cent and 72.00

per cent of beneficiaries and non- beneficiaries belonged to medium

level of achievement motivation. Beneficiaries and non- beneficiaries

belonging to high level of achievement motivation were 20.00 and

13

18.67 per cent. About 5.33 and 9.33 per cent of the beneficiaries and

non- beneficiaries belonged to low level of achievement motivation

category respectively.

Reshma (2011) in her study revealed that comparatively more

number of respondents (47.50%) had medium achievement motivation

followed by 30.83 per cent belonged to high achievement motivation

and 21.66 per cent of farm women were in low achievement motivation

group.

Sindhuja and Sreedevi (2011) conducted the study on self- help

groups and women’s empowerment. The study revealed that rural

SHG members (65%) had low level of achievement motivation while

the remaining 32 per cent of both rural and urban SHG members had

medium level of achievement motivation.


Manimekalai and Rajeswari (2000) in their study on

performance of Self-Help Groups in Tiruchanapalli district, Tamil

Nadu, observed that the entrepreneurial activities taken up by the

women were trade, agriculture, animal husbandry, processing of food,

tailoring, gem cutting, catering, petty shops, bamboo based units, agro

based units. These were carried out as group activities as well as

individual activity. Highest profits were from agriculture, followed by

trade related activities and catering service.

Dwarakanath (2001) from his study self-employment generation

under DWCRA reported that women had income generating

opportunities through traditional and modern occupations such as

spinning and weaving industry, agricultural activities, animal

husbandry, brass items, candle, cane items, carpets, chappals, chilli

powder, khadi beaten items, plastic items etc.

Pappachen (2001) in her study of 12 SHGs in Dharwad district

revealed that 25.59 per cent of the respondents were engaged in

raising paddy nursery followed by pickle making (25.35%), leaf plate

making (23.66%) respectively. Goat rearing, buffalo rearing, pottery,

soap box making, book selling, tailoring, rabbit rearing, bee keeping,

14

poultry rearing and vermicomposting, were the other income

generating activities undertaken after joining the SHGs. Bulk purchase

of groceries and retailing it thereafter was a common group activity of

the members.

Prita (2001) conducted a study on performance of SHGs in

Dharwad district of Karnataka reported that the wide range of activities

undertaken by the SHG members were rising paddy nursery (25.92%),

pickle making (25.53%), leaf storage + leaf plate making (23.66%),

mushroom cultivation (17.56%), seed storage (15.27%), goat rearing

(9.16%), buffalo rearing (7.63%), pottery and soap box making (6.11%

each), book selling (4.58%), manufacture of like killing mediums

(3.82%), tailoring (2.29%), rabbit rearing (7.53%), bee keeping,

poultry, vermicomposting (0.76% each) as income generating

activities.

Joshi (2004) in his study on empowering rural women through

watershed project reported that income generating activities

undertaken by SHG women were home based production of semi

processed food products, agriculture, horticulture and animal

husbandry products, poultry, vegetable cultivation, fruit preservation

and processing, nursery raising, candle making, handicrafts etc.

Bharathamma (2005) in her study empowerment of rural

women through income generating activities in Gadag district on

northern Karnataka revealed that ‘poor economic condition’ and ‘there

is no other source of income’ were the major reasons for taking up

income generating activities. The other reasons were ‘to pass time’,

the activity was ‘traditionally practiced’ and ‘to buy the assets’.

Bharathi (2005) in her study conducted at Dharwad and Gadag

districts of Karnataka reported that the respondents participated

regularly in vermicelli making, rava making, chilli pounding, tailoring,

flour milling, goat rearing, tailoring kitchen gardening, bangle selling,

vegetable selling, selling ready-made garments and sarees.

Devalatha (2005) conducted a study at Gadag district of

Northern Karnataka and reported that sale of earthworms, agarbatti

15

making, candle making, biscuit preparation, tamarind paste

preparation, tailoring and sale of milk were the income generating

activities taken up by women self help groups.

Dasaratharamaiah et al. (2006) studied the income generating

activities through the development of women and children in Rural

Areas (DWCRA) and found that ram lamb rearing was undertaken by

8 per cent of beneficiaries, vegetable vending by 26 per cent, basket

making 20.67 per cent, milk vending by 29.33 and 4.67 per cent petty

trade, 1.33 per cent of beneficiaries undertook leaves making and 60

per cent of beneficiaries undertook the fruits vending activity.

Hirevenkangoudar et al. (2006) in their study have expressed

that the IGAs taken up by SHG members were dairy, sheep and goat

rearing, poultry, vermicomposting, weaving, rope making, tailoring,

udabatti making, papad making, pickle making and roti making etc.

Josily (2006) conducted a study on women empowerment

through microfinance in Dindigul district of Tamil Nadu and noted that

shop keeping (adopted by 27.78 per cent of the SHG members), dairy

(17.78%) and dry flower making (10%) were the major income

generating activities undertaken by the SHGs. Other activities were

Fair Price Shop (6.67%), tailoring (5.56%), eucalyptus oil sales

(4.44%), operating a telescope, bakery, Sambar powder making,

retailing (3.33% each), fancy shop, nursery, handiwork, doll making,

fertilizer shop (2.22% each), poultry, textile sales, provision shop

(1.11% each).

Sowjanya (2007) conducted a study on comparative analysis of

successful and unsuccessful SHGs in Gadag district of Karnataka and

she found out that the income generating activities taken up by the

members of SHGs were agriculture (43.75%), dairy (20.53%), sheep

rearing (19.64%), goat rearing (16.07%), tailoring, agarbatti (4.46%

each), roti, petty shop (3.57% each), vermicelli, bangal sale,

soap/detergent (2.68% each) and flower selling (1.79%).

Gladis Mary John (2008) conducted a study of self help group

in Ernakulam district of Kerala state. All the self help groups were

16

engaged in jasmine cultivation as economic activity. Majority (82%) of

the women in self help groups stated that they had become

economically independent after forming SHGs and starting jasmine

cultivation.

Amrit Patel (2010) studied empowerment of rural women and

reported that in rural areas, agriculture and allied sector employed as

many as 89.5 per cent of total female labour. Women’s average

contribution in overall farm output is estimated at 55 per cent to 65 per

cent of the total labour. According to World Bank report, women

accounted for 94 per cent of total employment in dairy sector. Women

contributed 51 per cent of total employment in forest-based small-

scale enterprises.


Manimekalai and Rajeswari (2000) in their study on

performance of Self-Help Groups in Tiruchanapalli district, Tamil

Nadu, observed that the entrepreneurial activities taken up by the

women were trade, agriculture, animal husbandry, processing of food,

tailoring, gem cutting, catering, petty shops, bamboo based units, agro

based units. These were carried out as group activities as well as

individual activity. Highest profits were from agriculture, followed by

trade related activities and catering service.

Prasad (2000) studied on self empowerment-women set to

change face of Kolar and observed that 90 per cent of women in the

SHG federation had learnt to sign their names and many had enrolled

to learn how to read, write and learn computers. In many villages,

community issues like drinking water, roads, electricity and health

services were being addressed by the women's groups. Involvement

was also seen in activities like de-silting of tanks, child development in

addition to income generation programmes.

Puhazhendhi (2000) conducted evaluation study of SHGs in

Tamil Nadu. He observed that the average annual net family income of

SHG members during the post linkage period for all the groups was

Rs. 4,391, which was double than that of pre-linkage period. The net

17

incremental income was Rs. 2,424 for all the groups and it was

relatively more in good performance groups (Rs.2,967) than average

and poor performance groups (Rs.1,650) and (Rs.1,299) respectively.

Forty five per cent of the members reported increased employment by

85 per cent compared to pre-linkage period, which worked out to 172

mandays per member by adopting productive activities. Undertaking

supplementary activities such as animal husbandry, poultry etc. and

non-farm activities like petty shop, flower vending business etc. also

augmented employment.

Puhazhendhi and Satyasai (2000) conducted a study to know

the pre- and post linkage socio economic conditions of SHG members

in 11 states. The average net income per household in pre- and post-

group situation was Rs.20,177 and Rs.26,889 respectively – an

increase of 33 per cent. About 43 per cent of the incremental income

generated was from non-farm activities (NFS) followed by farm (28%)

and off-farm (21%) activities. Employment increased by 17 per cent

from 320 person days to 375 person days per households between

pre and post SHG situations. The average value of assets per

household included livestock and consumer durable was Rs.6,843

during pre SHG-situation, whereas it was Rs.11,793 during post SHG

situations registering an increase of 72.3 per cent. About 58.6 per cent

of the sample households registered an increase in assets from pre- to

post-SHG situation.

Dwarakanath (2001) from his study reported that the SHGs

formed under DWCRA programme helped the rural women to earn an

additional monthly income ranging from Rs.250-Rs.2, 000 per month

depending on the entrepreneurial activities taken up by them.

Mishra and Hossain (2001) conducted a study to assess the

impact of a SHG in Kalahandi District of Orissa during the pre (1996)

and post-group formation period (2001). Post group formation, 26.67

per cent of the families had diversified to other, non-farm activities.

The average net income per member per year increased from

Rs.6,465 to Rs.15,325 through scientific cotton cultivation, livestock

18

maintenance and small businesses like retail shop, dry fish trading etc.

The group was successfully managing a fair price shop fulfilling the

requirement of five nearby villages. The additional employment

generated through the informal group lending worked out to be 185

person days per member. Forty per cent of the families had adopted

small family norm of 2 children, 13 per cent had pucca houses, all the

member families could become literate, 58 per cent had food security

to manage the lean season and 45 percent were consuming

vegetables along with food. The health standards of the members of

the families improved during the period with the help of some trained

members.

Nedumaran et al. (2001) studied the performance and the socio

economic impact of SHGs in Tamil Nadu and found that there was an

increase of 23 per cent in the net income in the post SHG situation,

compared to the pre-SHG situation. Social conditions of the members

also considerably improved after joining the self-help group.

Pappachen (2001) conducted a study on the performance of

SHGs in Dharwad district, in which she reported that, almost 98.47 per

cent of the members showed an improvement in financial condition

and social status. Majority of the groups tried to redress their

infrastructural problems, such as problems of drinking water by

approaching the concerned civil authorities. Further, 42 per cent of

the group members organized health camps for children and women.

Immunization camps for cattle and poultry, pulse polio campaigns

were also organized by members. A few groups organized cultural

programmes like rangoli competition, exhibition of their groups

products, giving AIR programmes, organization of sight-seeing trips

and tree planting.

Krishnaiah (2003) studied self-help groups in Andhra Pradesh

and observed that as a result of group formation, women were able to

diversify their activities by undertaking non-farm and animal husbandry

related activities. He concluded that repayment of loans by the groups

is very high because of peer pressure, members are known to each

19

other and they are aware of the credit worthiness of members and the

good performance of repayment from members to groups and groups

to banks helped to get higher loans subsequently.

Lalitha (2005) in her study on women entrepreneurs of self-help

groups reported that the women were involved in the production of

paper production using banana wastes and Spirulina production. In

terms of employment opportunity 1440 labour days for unskilled and

600 labour days of semi-skilled labour were produced. SHG members

look after the saving accounts as well as micro- enterprise accounts.

This made them to organize themselves as entrepreneurs, produce

materials and secure livelihoods.

Gangaiah et al. (2006) studied on impact of self-help groups on

income and employment- a case study and reported that agriculture

could generate 218 person days of employment on an average per

household. It is observed from the study that highest amount of

income generation was seen from agricultural activities.

Hirevenkanagoudar et al. (2006) conducted a study on

economic impact of SHGs unit members in Belgaum and Haveri

districts of north Karnataka and found that the highest economic

benefit was noticed in dairy sectors i.e., Rs. 1500 to Rs. 5000 wherein,

more increased number of SHG members engaged in activity was

noticed in Belgaum district as compared to Haveri district. The next

highest economic benefit is noticed in sheep and goat rearing i.e., Rs.

2000 to Rs. 4000. The members of SHG in both the districts had

initiated large number of income generating activities after the

formation of SHG.

Josily (2006) conducted a study on women empowerment

through microfinance in Dindigul district of Tamil Nadu and she noted

that there was a 46 per cent increase in the income of the members

after joining SHGs. The total percentage change in employment days

was 112.48. The total percentage change in the assets position from

before joining SHG to after joining SHG was 53.43. The total

percentage change in case of family consumption was found to be

20

25.85 per cent. The total percentage change is the investment was

20.09 per cent. In case of savings, the total change was calculated at

264.7 percent.

Josily also observed an improvement in the social

empowerment of women members consequent to joining the SHGs

using a score method. Improvements were seen in purchase of

immovable assets (98.89), acquisition of skill (97.04), women’s own

income (95.56), access to credit (94.81), monthly savings (93.33),

purchase of gold (91.11), material acquisitions at home (82.22), food

consumption pattern (78.89), access/control over in resource

households (73.33). Improvements were seen in treatments by the

family (97.78), decision making (96.67), communication ability (88.15),

self image (86.30), profitable use of leisure time (86.30), involvement

in social issues (76.30), leadership qualities (72.22), basic literacy

(71.85), awareness of government policies (67.78), extension

participation (62.59) and participation in organizations (55.56).

Githamma (2007) conducted a study on management of micro-

financial institutions and their functioning in empowerment of rural poor

in Kolar district of Karnataka reported that the impact of SHGs on

social empowerment of women observed to be 53.69 per cent and

81.45 per cent after joining SHGs.

Shobha et al. (2007) in their study on goat rearing by farm

women for family food security and income generation described that

goat farming system could be a profitable enterprise. The profits

obtained were by way of increase in the herd size, more income

generation and better nutrition is provided to the family by using milk

and mutton were the key elements of socio-economic up-liftment of

rural families and thereby, the communities.

Karmakar (2008) reported that studies conducted by various

experts have shown that the Self Help Groups have indeed helped in

the social and economic empowerment of rural women at the same

time delivering crucial financial services. SHG has expanded as the

largest micro finance programme in the world in terms of its outreach

21

and has extended banking service to people hitherto not served by the

banking systems.

Virenderkumar et al. (2008) conducted a study on impact of

micro-financing on employment, income and empowerment in Kangra,

Mandi, Solan districts of Himachal Pradesh and nearly 150 member

households and 90 control households were chosen from thirty SHGs

in three districts. The study revealed that 44 per cent of the income

from service, 16 per cent from small trade and from dairy 10 per cent

in case of control households, whereas service (40%) and small

business and daily paid labour in non-agriculture sector (each

contributing 18%) were most important sources of household incomes,

the households income went up from Rs. 43,981 to Rs. 65,508, and

also reported that 62.67 per cent of the women involved in

management of finance against 37.33 per cent managed by their

husbands after joining SHGs.

Vasanthi and Gowri (2012) in their study on women

empowerment through self help group in Tirpur city narrated that 36

per cent of the respondents have been earning monthly income of Rs.

2000-3000 after to joining SHGs and 46 per cent of respondents have

been saving Rs. 500-1000 after joining to SHGs. The members

overcame problems viz., lack of family motivation, lack of education,

lack of awareness male domination etc.

Jyothi et al. (2013) conducted a study on impact of IGA on the

socio-economic and cultural conditions of rural women beneficiaries of

KSFMBC project. The study revealed that there was greater increase

in the percentage of people shifting towards agriculture+ livestock

(19%) followed by labour + business (16%) and livestock + labour

(15%) and a combination of all the three occupations i.e. agriculture+

livestock + labour (12%) after joining SHG.

Nalini et al. (2013) studied on impact of self help groups on

rural economy in North East Karnataka and reported that majority

(22.22 %) of women members were getting maximum net income of

Rs.13,954/year from animal husbandry followed by 40.74 per cent of

22

women from activities (Rs. 9267/year) and 7.4 per cent were getting

net income of Rs. 15,840/ year.

2.4.1 Dimensions of agriculture development

1. Annual income

Vedamurthy (2002) in his study on arecanut growers of

Shimoga district in Karnataka noticed that 48. 66 per cent of the

respondents belonged to high income category, while 34.00 per cent

and 17. 34 per cent were noticed in medium and low income category

respectively.

Shashidhar (2004) conducted a study on drip irrigation farmers

in Bijapur district of Karnataka and reported that, 49.17 per cent of the

farmers belonged to medium income category.

Jayaprada (2007) conducted a study on impact of Karnataka

Vikas Grameena Bank on agriculture development of beneficiary

farmers and reported that majority farmers were in the medium annual

income group (48.70% before joining SHG to 58.30% after joining

SHG). The difference values indicates the improvement in annual

income of the beneficiaries i.e. a shift from low annual income

category to medium annual income category and high annual income

category were observed.

Tarde et al. (2011) from their study on empowerment of rural

women through self-help groups engaged in agro-based enterprises

reported that from dairy enterprises nearly two-third (64.45) per cent of

the respondents had medium annual income i.e. between Rs. 36266/-

to Rs. 50130/- followed by 22.22 per cent had low income i.e. upto Rs.

36265/-. Regarding goat enterprise majority (55.63 %) of the

respondents had medium annual income i.e. between Rs. 12651/- to

Rs. 16200 /- followed by 32.22 per cent had high income i.e.

Rs.16201/- and above.

Nalini et al. (2013) in their article reported that among various

income generating activities taken up by women members, the net

annual income realized by them was higher from animal husbandry

activity, followed by nonfarm activities and agriculture with the return

23

per rupee of cost realized was 2.45, 1.57 and 1.36 respectively after

joining SHG.

2. Asset acquisition

Hosamani (1993) conducted a study in selected villages of

Bailhongal taluk of Belgaum district revealed that five per cent of the

families were having tractor, followed by power sprayer (4.00%), pump

set (3. 00%), truck and tempo (each 1. 5%).

Jayaprada (2007) in her study revealed that there was

considerable change in acquisition of assets in terms of land, own

house, agricultural equipment, livestock possession and savings

before and after joining SHG.

Sowjanya (2007) from their study reported regarding agriculture

materials that, majority (54.46%) of members had plough followed by

bullock cart (39.28%), bullocks (25.89%), seed drill (24.11%), sprayer

or duster (13.39%), power tiller (3.57%) and tractor (2.68%)

respectively. Regarding non-agriculture materials it was found that

55.36 per cent of respondents had radio (55.36%), television

(49.11%), bicycle (42.85%) followed by scooter (10.71%).

3. Expenditure pattern

Sundaram (2012) in his article on impact of self-help group in

socio-economic development of India explained that there has been

an increase of 40 per cent in SHG members in terms of their status of

access to amenities factors. Therefore, it can be concluded that after

joining SHG the members have improved in getting access to

amenities like medical, sanitation, education, market, water supply,

transport etc.

Nalini et al. (2013) from their article concluded that the

expenditure spent on food items like food grains, pulses, vegetables,

fruits, non-veg items, milk and milk products, groundnut and cooking

oil were found to be highly significant after joining SHG. Further,

expenditure towards non-food items like education, clothing,

ceremonies etc was found to be highly significant after joining SHG.

4. Crop productivity

24

Abhasharma (2001) from his article greening of desert reported

that increase in income, living conditions, increase in productivity of

the corps over the previous year was due to the effective participation

of beneficiaries in watershed development programme.

Sridhar (2002) conducted an evaluative study of watershed

programme in Paragada taluk of Tumkur district in Karnataka which

revealed that increase in productivity directly depends on the

availability of water productivity in the pre-post project period by virtue

of implementation of DWDP. It could be informed that percentage

increase in productivity obtained by the farmers was considerably

higher over pre project period.

5. Cropping pattern

Vyas (1996) in his article on diversification in agriculture

reported that the most important factor determining the cropping

pattern was the market. The significant changes in the last few years

in the cropping pattern were inferred to be explained by changes in the

relative prices. Apart from agronomic conditions in a given region, the

most significant technological change which had remarkable impact on

the cropping pattern was irrigation. In most of the areas where

irrigation was introduced the cropping pattern had become more

diversified, especially so if there was proper regulation of water

delivery.

Jayaprada (2007) in her study reported that 13.90 per cent of

the beneficiaries were growing greengram in kharif season before

borrowing loan was increased to 14.60 per cent after borrowing the

loan. Increasing trend observed with respect to cultivation of

groundnut in kharif season followed by greengram in rabi and jowar in

summer there is increase of 2.8 per cent before borrowing loan to 6.95

per cent with respect to chilli crop.

6. Employment generation

Sundaram (2012) in his article reported that the implementation

of SHG has generated self-employment opportunities for the rural

poor. The progress of the program since inception assisted in

25

formation of 35.7 lakh SHGs; assisted in 1.24 crore swarozgaries in

establishing their own micro-enterprises. The number of assisted

SHG/ group swarozgaries has increased from 35,000 in 1990-00 1.15

million in 2007-08. The program helped many participants in improving

their economic conditions.

Nalini et al. (2013) in their article explained that 30.51 per cent

of women SHG members had no occupation before joining the group

and after joining the group 14.81 per cent of them had taken up

tailoring activity, which generated 201days of employment per annum.

Six per cent of them had taken up agarbatti making activity and

employment generated was 183 days per cent annum. Basket making

activity was taken up by six per cent of beneficiaries and employment

generated was 180 days per cent annum. Another 3.70 per cent had

taken up roti making activity and employment generated was 270 days

per cent annum. 11.11 per cent of members before joining the group

were agricultural labourers and employment generated was 220 days

per annum as they switched over to animal husbandry.

2.5 Problems faced by the SHG members in undertaking

agricultural activities/IGAs

Pappachen (2001) carried out a study on the performance of

SHGs in Dharwad district to know the constraints faced by the SHGs.

Misunderstanding among SHG members was the major constraint

faced by majority of the members and 41 per cent of the members

faced difficulties in diversification of activities or in starting new

activities. Functional or operational difficulties like lack of space for

storage and frequent power cuts were reported by 28 per cent of the

members. Promoters of SHGs too faced a number of problems such

as opposition from husbands of aspiring members, misunderstanding,

lack of trust, casteism and opposition from rich politicians or

moneylenders.

Raghavendra (2001) in his performance evaluation of self-help

groups in Shimoga district of Karnataka noted that resource constraint

was a major and detrimental factor in the expansion of economic

26

activities of SHGs. The low level of education of the group members

was another factor obstructing structural changes.

Chethan et al. (2004) studying the impact of SGSY on women

beneficiaries in Bangalore Rural district of Karnataka noted that there

was an increase in the number of days of employment. The

programme also had a favourable impact on the women beneficiaries

in terms of education, social participation; achievement motivation.

Thejaswini and Veerabhadraiah (2004) in her study on

knowledge assessment of rural women on DWCRA and their problems

reported that majority of the respondents indicated that lack of training

(85%), financial constraints (82%), poor quality of raw materials (81%),

high cost of production (77%), lack of quality aspects (73%), marketing

problems (65%), lack of storage and warehousing facilities were the

major constraints.

Bharathi (2005) from her study on assessment of

entrepreneurial activities promoted under NATP on empowerment of

women in agriculture reported that the problems faced by members

were lack of formal education, lack of training, lack of social mobility,

insufficient loans and technical problems like non-availability of spare-

parts, shortage of electricity and unskilled women group members.

Das et al. (2006) conducted a study on decent work and

employment of women in agriculture and described that farm women

have limited access to resources like land, input and credit,

inadequate technical competency, poor existing research and

extension systems, wage discrimination between male and female

agricultural workers, food insecurity and malnutrition and untapped

women potential.

Joseph and Easwaran (2006) conducted the study on SHGs

and tribal development in Mizoram and identified the perceived

constraints in the functioning of SHGs and found that lack of

government attention was first and foremost problem i.e., 39 per cent.

High rate of interest was felt by 33.43 per cent of members, followed

by in sufficiency of loan for income generation, liability to repay the

27

loan, conflict over loan sharing problems in marketing of their

products.

Githamma (2007) conducted the study on management of

micro-financial institutions on their functioning in empowering of rural

poor in Kolar district of Karnataka reported that 55.33 per cent of them

felt difficulty in procurement of new material as a moderate problem.

Among social problems, 56 per cent of them felt conflicts among the

groups were a moderate problem. Among economic problems 55.33

per cent of them felt margin of profit is not sufficient. Among marketing

problems, 58.66 per cent of them felt lack of transportation as a major

problem.

Minimol and Makesh (2012) in their study empowering rural

women in Kerala explained that 38 per cent of the women members

experienced very high level of poor family support, family

responsibilities were the personal problems and conflicts among

members, absenteeism were the major group related problems.

Karuna Jeba Mary et al. (2013) from their study on constraints

and suggestions offered by rural women for effective functioning of

self-help groups in Theni district of Tamil Nadu reported that the major

problems expressed by rural self- help group members in order of their

importance were dual responsibility, delayed loan disbursement,

inadequate credit facilities and less preferences to hand made

products, lack of self-confidence, internal group conflicts and irregular

attendance to the meetings etc.

28

3. METHODOLOGY

This chapter deals with research methods and techniques used in the

study. It mainly describes the procedure followed in the selection of district,

taluks, villages, and respondents. Besides description of locale, the variables

studied and their measurement procedure, data collection methods and use of

statistical tools have also been outlined. They are presented under the

following sub headings.

3.1 Research design








3.1 Research design

The research design adopted for the present study was ‘Ex post-facto’,

since the phenomenon had already occurred and the design was considered

appropriate. Ex post-facto research is a systematic empirical inquiry in which,

the researcher does not have direct control over independent variables

because either their manifestations has already occurred or they are not

inherently manipulated (Kerlinger, 1996).


Dharwad district of North Karnataka was the locale of the study. The

description of study area is given below.


Dharwad district was selected for the study. The district is situated in

the Northern part of Karnataka state at 14031’N latitude and 74028’E

longitude. The district comes under the transition zone. It is bounded by

Belgaum district in North, Haveri district in South, Gadag district from North-

East to south east and Uttar Kannada from North-West to South-West. It has

five taluks namely Dharwad, Hubli, Kundagol, Navalgund, Kalaghatagi and

403 villages.

29

Fig. 3.1 Map of Karnataka showing the study district

Fig. 3.2 Map of Dharwad district showing study area

30

3.3.1 Soil type and cropping pattern

Soils in Dharwad district comprised of red, medium black and deep

black soils. Dharwad and Kalaghatgi taluk comprised of red and medium

black soils and in Hubli taluk, major part of soils comprised of deep black

cotton soils. Dharwad district comprises of three Agro-climatic zones, i.e. dry

zone (zone - 3), northern transitional zone (zone - 8) and part of hilly zone

(zone - 9). Transitional zone (zone - 8) comprises three taluks – Dharwad,

Hubli and Kundagol. In this tract, the average annual rainfall is 700 – 750 mm.

Red and black soils are predominant in these areas. Groundnut, soybean,

hybrid jowar, green gram and maize are the important crops grown during

kharif. The Bt. cotton is the important commercial crop. Bengal gram and

jowar are grown during the rabi season. In black soil, double cropping is

common in this area. Among the horticultural crops – mango, sapota, guava

and banana are the main fruit crops and peas, brinjal, tomato, green chilli etc.

are the important vegetable crops. The entire taluk of Kalaghatagi comes

under hilly tract (zone - 9). It is characterized by high rainfall with an average

rainfall of 900 mm. Majority of soils are red mixed black with low fertility. Drill

sown paddy occupies major area under rainfed situations. The area under

soybean, cotton and maize has been increasing due to changing rainfall

pattern since one decade.

3.3.2 Climate

The monsoon in Dharwad district varies from April-May to September-

October with two peaks, one in July and other in September enabling two

cropping seasons. The temperature ranges from a maximum of 390 C to the

minimum of 130 C.


Keeping the maximum number of self-help groups formed and working

actively since three years from their establishment as the criterion, Dharwad

and Kalaghatagi taluks were selected purposively. The village wise list of

SHG formed in selected taluks was obtained from taluk panchayat office.


The list of women SHG members from each villages were obtained

from the concerned taluk panchayat office. From the list, five villages from

31

each taluk, three SHGs from each village and four members from each SHG

was selected randomly. Thus, 120 respondents constituted the sample for the

study.

Name of taluk

Villages No. of SHG

Members from

each

SHG

Total women

members

Dharwad Narendra

Garag

Tadakod

Kotur

Tegur

3

3

3

3

3

4

4

4

4

4

60

Kalaghatagi Begur

Ganjigatti

Belawantara

Bammigatti

Devikoppa

3

3

3

3

3

4

4

4

4

4

60

Total sample size 120


Variables Measurements

Dependent variables

Impact of SHG’s

agricultural activities on

farm women

(dimensions)

a) Annual income Procedure followed by Taskeen (2012)

b) Asset acquisition Procedure followed by Dabali (2010)

c) Expenditure pattern Procedure followed by Dabali (2010)

d) Land productivity Procedure followed by Jayaprada (2007)

e) Cropping pattern Procedure followed by Jayaprada (2007)

f) Employment

generation Procedure followed by Chaitra (2008)

32

Variables Measurements

Independent variables

a) Age

Chronological age in completed years,

procedure followed by Prita (2001) and Hinge

(2009)

b) Education Procedure followed by Raghavendra (2005) and

Jayaprada (2007)

c) Marital status Procedure followed by Waghmore and Chaudhary

(1989)

d) Family type

Scale developed by Dahama and Bhatnagar

(1980) and followed by Sidram (2008) and also

Satish (2010)

e) Family size Scale developed by Venkataramaiah (1983)

f) Caste Scale developed by Venkataramaiah (1983)

g) Occupation Procedure followed by Reshma (2011)

h) Achievement

motivation Scale followed by Deepak (2003)

3.6.1 Operationalisation and measurement of dependent variable

The data pertaining to the different dimensions of impact on agricultural

activities before and after joining the SHG was collected from the women

members and analyzed by using frequency and percentages. The difference

with frequency and per cent was calculated. The quantification followed for

each of the dimensions is described as under.

a) Annual income

Annual income of the respondents was determined by considering total

income earned by agriculture, agro-based subsidies and business in a year

and expressed in terms of rupees (The Annual income was classified based

on the classifications of the Ministry of Rural Development, Government of

India, Notification- June, 2011 to conduct the Socio Economic and Caste

Census in the year 2011) as indicated below.

To study the impact of annual income on agriculture development, the

data with respect to annual income of the respondents before and after taking

loan was elicited. Further, frequencies and percentages were used to present

33

the data. To know the significant impact of SHG on annual income of the

members, Chi-square test was used.

Sl. No. Category Family income (Rs.)

1. Lower income groups <60000/annum

2. Medium income groups 60000 to 120000/annum

3. Higher income groups > 120000/annum

b) Asset acquisition

Asset acquisition of beneficiaries was determined by considering the

assets acquired such as land, own house, agricultural equipments, livestock

possession and savings and expressed in terms of rupees to study the impact

of SHG on asset acquisition. The data pertaining to the asset owned before

and after joining SHG was elicited and analyzed by using mean and standard

deviation as measure of check. Chi-square test was used to know the

significant impact of SHG on asset acquisition of the members.

c) Expenditure pattern

Expenditure pattern is determined by considering the expenditure on

items such as food, clothing, religious functions and marriages, medical,

educational expenditure was obtained from the respondents. Further,

expenditure pattern was categorized as low, medium, high with mean and

standard deviation as measure of check. Chi-square test was used to know

the significant impact of SHG on expenditure pattern of the members.

d) Crop productivity

In the present study, only major crops viz., cotton and groundnut were

considered. Crop productivity means the quantity of yield obtained per unit

area expressed in quintals per acre. The ability of the beneficiaries in growing

different crops related to agriculture like cotton and groundnut was elicited.

The crop productivity was categorized as low, medium, high with mean and

standard deviation as check. To know the significant impact of SHG on crop

productivity chi-square test was used.

e) Cropping pattern

34

Cropping pattern is the diversification of crops grown by beneficiaries

during different seasons like kharif, rabi and summer information was

obtained. The information collected before and after was analyzed with

frequency and percentage. Further, the cropping pattern was analysed to

study the extent of impact by categorizing the beneficiaries with the scores as

3,2 and 1 for growing crops in all three seasons, two seasons and single

season respectively, based on different cropping pattern during kharif, rabi

and summer seasons. Further, the difference between before joining SHG

and after joining SHG was expressed in percentage.

f) Employment generation

It refers to the number of days of employment generated through

various sources like crop enterprise, dairy, poultry, group activity and self

employment activities, expressed in man days. The data pertaining to before

and after joining SHG was obtained and categorized as low, medium and high

using mean and standard deviation as measure of check. Further, to know the

significant impact of SHG on employment generation, chi-square test was

used.

Category Employment in man days per year

Low employment Less than (mean –SD)

Medium employment Between (mean ± SD)

High employment More than (mean + SD)

3.6.2 Operationalisation and measurement of independent variables

3.6.2.1 Age

It referred to the chronological age of the respondents in completed

years at the time of investigation. The procedure followed by Prita (2001) and

Hinge (2009) was used to categorize the respondents into three age groups.

Categories Age (in years)

Young

Middle

Old

Less than 31

years

31-50 years

35

More than 50

years

3.6.2.2 Education

It is operationalised as the number of years of formal education the

women have undergone. For each year of schooling, a score of one was

given, the women were grouped into different categories based on

frequencies and percentage. Procedure followed by Raghavendra (2005) and

Jayaprada (2007) was used in this study with some modifications.

Categories Scores

Illiterate

Primary school (1-4th )

Middle school (5-7th)

High school(8-10th)

Pre – university (11-12th)

Graduate

Post graduate

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

3.6.2.3 Marital status

Based on marital status, women were classified into unmarried,

married and widow and divorced as followed by Waghmore and Chaudhary

(1989) with slight modifications.

Categories Score

Married 1

Unmarried 2

Widow 3

Divorced 4

3.6.2.4 Family type

Family type refers to two-way classification of family as nuclear and

joint. The basic grouping of mates and their children is called nuclear family

and collection of more than one nuclear family on the basis of close blood ties

and living in common residence is called joint family (Dahama and Bhatnagar,

1980). The procedure as followed by Sidram (2008) and also Satish (2010).

36

Family type Score

a. Nuclear family 1

b. Joint family 2

3.6.2.5 Family size

Family size was operationalized as total number of member residing

together in the family at the time of investigation. Measurement and scoring

was done with slight modification by using the socio-economic status scale

developed by Venkataramaiah (1983).

Category Number of members

Small 1-3 members

Medium 4-6 members

Large 7-9 members

Very large Above 9 members

3.6.2.6 Caste

It was operationalized as the caste to which one belongs by birth.

Categorization of the variables was done in accordance with the socio-

economic status scale developed by Venkataramaiah (1983) and the women

were grouped into the following categories.

a. Schedule caste

b. Schedule tribe

c. Other backward caste

d. Forward caste

3.6.2.7 Occupation

Occupation is operationally defined as the activities in which a

respondent is regularly engaged in and gets major income out of it. Based on

the information obtained from the women members, the occupation of the

respondents was categorized as follows.

1. Non-agriculture

2. Agriculture

3. Agriculture and business

3.6.2.8 Achievement motivation

McClelland (1961) defined achievement motivation as a social value

that emphasizes a desire for the excellence in order for an individual to attain

37

a sense of personal accomplishment. It refers to striving to do good work with

standard of excellence which may be task related, self related or related to

other aspects. For quantification of this variable, the scale followed by Deepak

(2003) was used. The scale consists of seven statements, to be rated on a

five point continuum namely strongly agree, agree, undecided, disagree and

strongly disagree with a score of 5, 4, 3, 2, and 1 respectively.

The possible scores one could get varied from 7 to 35. Considering the

scores obtained the respondents were classified into three categories by

using mean and standard deviation as measure of check.

Sl. No. Achievement motivation Score

1. Low Below (X-SD)

2. Medium Between (X-SD) and (X+SD)

3. High Above (X+SD)


Keeping in view the objectives and variables under the study, a

structured interview schedule was prepared by reviewing the previous

research studies, consulting and discussing with the experts and professional

workers in the field of agricultural extension. The questionnaire was pre-tested

in a non-sample area. The final questionnaire was prepared by necessary

modifications, additions and deletions based on pre-tested results. The final

format of the questionnaire is furnished in Appendix I.

The data were collected from SHG women members of the selected

villages in an informal atmosphere by personal interview method.


For the purpose of fulfilling the objectives of the study, data were

analyzed by tabular presentation method where frequencies and percentages

were used, mean and standard deviations were used to categorize the

sample. To find out the impact of SHGs on the members the paired t-test was

done, which is a statistical test for difference between before and after joining

the SHG.

1. Arithmetic mean:

38

It is the sum of all the values of the observations divided by the

total number of observations, symbolically, it is represented as;

X = ∑X

N

Where,

X: Arithmetic mean

∑X: Sum of all values of observations

W: Total number of observations

2. Standard deviation (SD):

It is the square root of the mean of the squares deviations taken

from arithmetic mean; symbolically it is represented as follows.

SD = ∑d2

√ N

Where,

SD: Standard deviation

d2: Sum of squared deviations from the mean

N: Number of observations

3. Frequency and percentage:

Frequency and percentage were used to know the distribution pattern

of respondents according to variables. Percentages were used for

standardization of size by calculating the number of individuals that would be

in a given category if the total number of cases were 100.

4. t’ test :

‘t’ test was employed to find out the significant difference, if any

between the mean scores of two groups.

[(X1) – (X2)]

T =

S12 S2

2

+

39

√ n1 n2

Where,

X1 : Mean of X1 series

X2 : Mean of X2 series

(X1) – (X2) : Differences between the two means taken as

positive.

S12 : Variance of X1 series

S22 : Variance of X2 series

n1 : Total number of observation in X1 series

n2 : total number of observation in X2 series

40

4. RESULTS

The data collected during the investigation were analyzed, interpreted

and the findings are presented under the following headings.







4.7 Problems faced by the SHG members in undertaking agricultural

activities


4.1.1 Age

On the basis of chronological age, the respondents were classified into

three groups as shown in Table 1.

It can be seen from Table 1 that majority of the women belonged to

middle age category (58.30%) whereas 20.00 per cent belonged to old age

category and 21.70 per cent were young women.

4.1.2 Education

The women members have been categorized into six groups based on

their level of education.

Results of Table 1 revealed that majority of the women members were

illiterate (40.00%) followed by primary education (28.30%), 13.30 per cent

studied upto high school level, 10.80 per cent studied upto middle class level,

5.80 per cent of them studied upto PUC level and least percentage of them

were graduates (1.70%).


Marital status of the women indicated that majority of them were

married (90.00%), 8.30 per cent were widows and 1.70 per cent were

unmarried.

4.1.4 Family type

Large majority of the women had nuclear family (77.50%) and

remaining 22.50 per cent of them belonged to joint family.

41

Table 1: Profile of the women SHG members

(n=120)

Sl. No.

Characters Categories F %

1. Age Young age (18-30 years)

Middle age (31-50 years)

Old age (above 50 years)

26

70

24

21.70

58.30

20.00

2. Education Illiterate

Primary

Middle school

High School

Pre-University

Graduate

48

34

13

16

7

2

40.00

28.30

10.80

13.30

5.80

1.70

3. Marital status Widow

Married

Unmarried

10

108

2

8.30

90.00

1.70

4. Family type Joint

Nuclear

27

93

22.50

77.50

5. Family size Small (1-3 members)

Medium (4-6 members)

Large (7-9 members)

Very large (Above 9 members)

24

75

14

7

20.00

62.50

11.70

5.80

6. Caste OBC

ST

SC

108

9

3

90.00

7.50

2.50

7. Occupation Non-agriculture

Agriculture

Agriculture + Non-agriculture

20

88

12

16.70

73.30

10.00

8. Achievement

motivation

Low (<17)

Medium (17-19)

High (>19)

31

48

41

25.80

40.00

34.20

Mean = 18.45 SD = 3.35

42

22%

58%

20%

Young age (18-30 years)

Middle age (31-50 years)

Old age (above 50 years)

40%

28%

11%

13%

6%

2%

Illiterate Primary

Middle school High School

Pre-University Graduate

8%

90%

2%

Widow

Married

Unmarried

78%

20%

62%

12%6%

Small (1-3 members)

Medium (4-6 members)

Large (7-9 members)

Very large (Above 9 members)

90%

7%

3%

OBC

ST

SC

17%

73%

10%

Non-agriculture

Agriculture

Agriculture + Non-agriculture

40%

34%

Low (<

Medium (

High (>

Age EducationMarital status Family type

Achievement motivationOccupationCasteFamily size

43

4.1.5 Family size

It is clear from Table 1 that 62.50 per cent of the members belonged to

medium family (4-6 members), followed by 20.00 per cent of them belonged

to small family (1-3 members), 11.70 per cent belonged to large family (7-9

members) and 5.80 per cent belonged to very large family (above 9

members).

4.1.6 Caste

Majority of the women belonged to backward caste (90.00%), followed

by 7.50 per cent and 2.50 per cent of them belonged to schedule tribe and

schedule caste, respectively.

4.1.7 Occupation

Occupation of the respondents showed that more number of the farm

women were practicing in agriculture (73.30%) followed by 16.70 per cent

were practicing in business activities like bangle shop, kirani store and

marketing of cement and 10.00 per cent were practicing both agriculture and

business (non-agriculture).


It is apparent from Table 1 that comparatively more number of women

members had medium achievement motivation (40.00%) followed by high

achievement motivation (34.20%) and 25.80 per cent of farm women were in

low achievement motivation group.


Table 2 revealed that 26.66 per cent of the members had undertaken

dairy farming as a major activity, followed by both poultry farming and FYM

making (12.50%), vermicomposting units (10.83%), goat-sheep rearing

(10.00%) and kitchen gardening (8.33%), farm pond (5.00%). Only 4.17 per

cent and 3.33 per cent of the members had undertaken SRI method of rice

cultivation and Azolla cultivation respectively. An equal percentage of

members had undertaken growing horticulture crops and honey bee keeping

activities (2.50%) respectively. Further, an equal per cent of members

adopted activities like liquid fertilizer production and selling of banana and

coconut (0.83%) respectively.


44

The data presented in Table 3 revealed that ‘Poor economic condition’

(51.66 %) and ‘There is no other source of income’ (21.66%) were the major

reasons for undertaking agricultural activities. The other reasons for

undertaking agricultural activities was ‘Traditionally practiced’ (12.50%), ‘To

buy assets’(9.16%) , and ‘To practice as hobby’ (5.00%).

4.4 Benefits derived from the agricultural activities by women

Monetary benefits

Results presented in Table 4 depicted the extent of increase in the

income of the SHG women. As high as 37.50 per cent of them had low

incremental income of Rs. 1000-2000, while 25.00 per cent had medium

incremental income in the range of Rs. 2000 to Rs. 4000 and only 4.17 per

cent had high incremental income Rs. 4000-6000.

Non-Monetary benefits

It could be observed from Table 4 that, majority of the members felt

that their confidence level has increased (55.83%), followed by increase in

their communication skill (27.50%). While, 25.83 per cent and 20.00 per cent

of the women

members opined that they were respected by their family members and

society respectively. Further, 6.66 per cent and 5.80 per cent of members

opined that cropping pattern and intensity changed and household

consumption of products have been enhanced respectively.


It was observed from Table 5 that 79.17 per cent of the women

members stated that the profit was utilized for the purpose of meeting

necessities, saving for future (66.67%), education of their children (61.67%),

renovation of house (37.50%), and expansion of enterprise (33.33%).


4.6.1 Distribution of women members based on the dimensions of agriculture

development

The results depicted in Table 6 indicated the significant impact of SHG

on agriculture development of women members. The results were analyzed

with respect to six dimensions of agriculture development before and after

joining SHG. The different dimensions of agriculture development viz., annual

45

Table 2: Agricultural activities taken up by the SHG members

(n=120)

Sl. No. Agricultural activities F %

1. Dairy farming 32 26.66

2. Poultry farming 15 12.50

5. FYM 15 12.50

7. Vermicomposting 13 10.83

3. Goat & sheep rearing 12 10.00

4. Kitchen gardening 10 8.33

6. Farm pond 6 5.00

9. SRI method of rice cultivation 5 4.17

10. Azolla cultivation 4 3.33

8. Horticulture crops 3 2.50

11. Honey bee-keeping 3 2.50

12. Liquid fertilizer production 1 0.83

13. Selling of banana and coconut 1 0.83

46

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

Agricultural activities

Pe

rce

nta

ge

s

47

Plate 1 A view of Azolla cultivation in paddy field of a farm woman

Plate 2 A view of vermicomposting unit in the field of a farm woman

48

Plate 3 A view of honey bee cultivation in the field of a farm woman

Plate 4 Researcher with a farmer who have grown agricultural crop +

horticultural crops (Cotton+Mango+Sapota)

49

Table 3: Reasons for taking agricultural activities (n=120)

Sl. No. Reasons F %

1. Poor economic condition 62 51.66

2. There is no other source of income 26 21.66

3. Traditionally practiced 15 12.50

4. To buy assets 11 9.16

5. To practice as hobby 6 5.00

50

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

Poor economic condition There is no other source of income

Traditionally practiced To buy assets To practice as hobby

Reasons

Perc

enta

ge

s

51

Table 4: Monitory and non-monitory benefits derived from the agricultural activities

(n=120)

Sl. No. Benefits F %

(a) Monitory

1. Rs. 1000-2000 45 37.50

2. Rs. 2000-4000 30 25.00

3. Rs. 4000-6000 5 4.17

(b) Non-Monitory

1. Increased confidence level 67 55.83

2. Increased communication skill 33 27.50

3. Respect from the family members

31 25.83

4. Respect from the society 24 20.00

5. Cropping pattern and intensity changed

8 6.66

6. Household consumption of products

7 5.80

Note: Multiple responses are obtained

52

income, asset acquisition, expenditure pattern, crop productivity, cropping

pattern and employment generation were categorized as low, medium and

high for each of the dimensions.

It was observed from Table 6 that, the low annual income category was

decreased from 42.50 per cent before joining SHG to 16.67 per cent after

joining SHG. In case of medium annual income category, there was increase

from 50.00 per cent before joining SHG to 75.00 per cent after joining SHG.

Similarly, in high annual income category 7.50 per cent before to 23.33 per

cent after joining SHG, so it clearly indicated the positive impact of SHG on

annual income of its women members.

With respect to asset acquisition, 35.00 per cent of women were in

medium category before joining SHG, whereas only 27.50 per cent of the

members were in medium category after joining SHG. However, it was

observed that in high asset acquisition category there was increase from

31.66 per cent of women before joining SHG to 37.50 per cent after joining

SHG which indicated positive impact of SHG on asset acquisition.

It was observed from Table 6 that with respect to expenditure pattern,

decrease in expenditure could be seen from 35.83 per cent of women before

joining SHG to 34.16 per cent after joining SHG under low expenditure

category. Further, 40.83 per cent of women were decreased to 37.50 per cent

before and after joining SHG respectively. However, there was increase from

23.33 per cent of members before joining SHG to 28.33 per cent after joining

SHG under high expenditure category which indicated positive impact of SHG

on expenditure pattern of the women.

Data with regard to crop productivity clearly indicated that, in case of

cotton 43.33 per cent of members before joining SHG decreased to 22.50 per

cent after joining SHG under low crop productivity category. However, 33.33

per cent of members before joining SHG increased to 58.33 per cent after

joining SHG under medium crop productivity category. Similarly, in case of

groundnut crop, 37.50 per cent of members before joining SHG decreased to

19.16 per cent after joining SHG under low crop productivity category.

However, 41.67 per cent of women were found in medium crop productivity

53

Table 5: Profit utilization pattern of SHG members

(n=120)

Sl. No. Profit utilization F %

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Meeting necessities

Saving for future

Education of the children

Renovation of house

Expansion of enterprise

95

80

74

45

40

79.17

66.67

61.67

37.50

33.33


54

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

Meeting necessities Saving for future Education of the children Renovation of house Expansion of enterprise

Profit utilization

Perc

enta

ges

55

Table 6: Distribution of respondents based on the dimensions of agriculture development

(n=120)

Variable Categories Before After

F % F %

Annual income (Rs.)

Low 51 42.50 20 16.67

Medium 60 50.00 90 75.00

High 9 7.50 10 23.33

Mean=34579.00 SD=14943.41

Asset acquisition

(Rs.)

Low 40 33.33 42 35.00

Medium 42 35.00 33 27.50

High 38 31.66 45 37.50

Mean= 308926.08 SD=197540.97

Expenditure

pattern (Rs.)

Low 43 35.83 41 34.16

Medium 49 40.83 45 37.50

High 28 23.33 34 28.33

Mean=115800.00 SD= 42632.41

Crop productivity (q/ acre)

a) Cotton Low 52 43.33 27 22.50

Medium 40 33.33 70 58.33

High 28 23.33 23 19.16

Mean=7.92 SD=1.75

b) Groundnut

Low 45 37.50 23 19.16

Medium 50 41.67 75 62.50

High 25 20.83 22 18.33

Mean=6.50 SD=2.30

Cropping pattern

Kharif-Fallow-Fallow

30 25.00 18 15.00

Kharif-Rabi-Summer

27 22.50 33 27.50

Kharif-Rabi-Fallow

15 12.50 7 5.83

Fallow-Rabi-Summer

48 40.00 62 51.66

Employment

Generation

Low 51 42.50 30 25.00

Medium 36 30.00 52 43.33

High 33 27.50 38 31.66

Mean=22.65 SD=15.27

56

category and it was increased to 62.50 per cent before and after joining SHG

respectively.

With respect to cropping pattern, 22.50 of the women followed growing

of crops in only two seasons ie., kharif followed by rabi before joining SHG

and it was increased to 27.50 per cent after joining SHG. However, 40.00 per

cent of women were growing crops in all the three seasons ie., kharif-rabi-

summer before joining SHG and it was increased to 51.66 per cent after

joining SHG which indicated positive change in cropping pattern of the

members.

It was observed from the Table 6 that with respect to employment

generation, the results clearly indicated that under low employment

generation category the members decreased from 42.50 per cent to 25.00 per

cent before and after joining SHG. However, 30.00 per cent of women before

joining SHG and 43.33 per cent after joining SHG have fallen under medium

employment generation category, followed by 27.50 per cent of women before

joining SHG and 31.66 per cent after joining SHG have fallen under high

employment generation category.

4.6.2 Impact of SHG on Agriculture Development of its women members

A close look at Table 7 shows that, in agriculture development, the

dimensions like crop productivity with respect to groundnut (31.07%),

employment generation (26.50%), consumption pattern (19.42%), crop

productivity with respect to cotton (21.00%), annual income (15.03%) and

asset acquisition (11.15%) had positive and significant impact on agriculture

development of women members as indicated by significant ‘t’ values.

4.6.2.1 Annual income

It could be observed from Table 8 that there is a clear indication of

increasing trend of annual income of women members. It could be seen that

42.50 per cent of women before joining SHG decreased to 16.67 per cent

after joining SHG under low annual income category (<Rs.60000). However,

exactly half of the women were found in medium income group (Rs.60000 to

120,000/annum) before joining SHG which is increased to 75.00 per cent after

joining SHG. Further, Only 7.50 per cent of women were in high annual

income category (Rs. >120000/annum) before joining SHG which was

57

increased to 23.33 per cent after joining SHG. Further, the result of chi-square

test indicated highly significant association between joining the SHG and

annual income of the women members.

4.6.2.2 Asset acquisition

It could be observed from the Table 9 that there is a clear indication of

increasing trend in asset acquisition of women members. As per the

acquisition of land is concerned 28.33 per cent of women before joining SHG

were under the category of marginal farmers which is decreased to 12.50 per

cent after joining SHG. Again, 24.17 per cent of members before joining SHG

and 22.50 per cent after joining SHG were under small farmer category.

However, 20.83 per cent of the women were found in semi medium category

before joining SHG and is increased to 26.67 per cent after joining SHG. In

case of medium farmers category 25.00 per cent women were there before

joining SHG and it was increased to 35.83 per cent after joining SHG. Only

1.67per cent of them were big farmers before joining SHG and it was

increased to 2.50 per cent after joining SHG. Further, the chi-square test

indicated the significant impact of SHG on land acquisition.

The association between joining of SHG and acquisition of own house

is shown in Table 9, it is indicated that 30.83 per cent of women spent Rs.

25,000 to 50,000 before joining SHG and it was decreased to 14.17 per cent

after joining SHG. However, 32.50 per cent of members spent worth Rs.

50,001 to 1,00,000 and it was increased to 38.33 per cent after joining SHG.

Again, 30.00 cent of women spent on their own house Rs. 1,00,001 to

2,00,000 before joining SHG which is increased to 36.70 per cent after joining

SHG. Similarly, 6.67 per cent of women were under the category more than

Rs. 2,00,000 before joining SHG and it was increased to 10.83 per cent after

joining SHG. The result of chi- square test clearly indicated the significant

impact of SHG on acquisition of own house.

With respect to acquisition of agricultural equipment as per Table 9, it

is observed that 35.83 per cent of women spent upto Rs. 25,000 before

joining SHG and it was decreased to 16.66 per cent after joining SHG

respectively. However, 39.16 per cent of the women spent on agricultural

equipment within the range of Rs. 25,001 to 50,000 before joining SHG and it

58

Table 7: Impact of self-help group on agriculture development of its members

(n=120)

Sl. No. Variables Before After Difference

%

change

‘t’ values

1. Annual income (Rs.) 32162.64 36995.58 4832.94 15.03 7.95**

2. Asset acquisition (Rs.)

4393.59 4883.52 489.93 11.15 6.31**

3. Consumption pattern (Rs.)

10,555 12,605 2050 19.42 6.98**

4.

Crop productivity (q/acre)

a. Cotton

b. Groundnut

7.19

5.60

8.70

7.34

1.51

1.74

21.00

31.07

14.56**

20.71**

5. Employment generation (man days)

20.0 25.30 5.30 26.50 16.02**

**: Significant at 1% level of probability

59

Table 8: Impact of SHG on annual income of its members (n=120)

Sl. No.

Category

Before After ᵡ2

F % F %

19.58**

1. Lower income group

51 42.50 20 16.67

2. Medium income group

60 50.00 90 75.00

3. Higher income group

9 7.50 10 23.33

**: Significant at 1% level of probability

60

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

Lower income group Medium income group Higher income group

Before

After

Category

Perc

enta

ges

61

Table 9: Impact of SHG on Asset acquisition of its members (n=120)

Assets Categories Before After

ᵡ2

F % F %

Land (in Rs.) Marginal farmers

Small farmers

Semi-medium farmers

Medium farmers

Big farmers

34

29

25

30

2

28.33

24.17

20.83

25.00

1.67

15

27

32

43

3

12.50

22.50

26.67

35.83

2.50

10.82*

Own house (in Rs.)

25,000 to 50,000

50,001 to 1,00,000

1,00,001 to 2,00,000

Above 2,00,000

37

39

36

8

30.83

32.50

30.00

6.67

17

46

44

13

14.17

38.33

36.70

10.83

10.00*

Agricultural equipment

(in Rs.)

Up to 25,000

25,001 to 50,000

50,001 to 1,00,000

Above 1,00,000

43

47

20

10

35.83

39.16

16.66

8.33

20

55

27

18

16.66

45.83

22.50

15.00

12.32**

Live stock

Possession

(in Rs.)

Up to 25,000

25,001 to 50,000

50,001 to 1,00,000

Above 1,00,000

46

37

28

9

38.33

30.83

23.33

7.50

20

45

43

12

16.66

37.50

35.83

10.00

14.61**

Savings

(in Rs.)

Up to 25,000

25,001 to 50,000

50,001 to 1,00,000

Above 1,00,000

40

60

20

0

33.33

50.00

16.66

0.00

20

72

25

3

16.66

60.00

20.83

2.50

11.32**

*: Significant at 5% level of probability **: Significant at 1% level of probability

62

was increased to 45.83 per cent after joining SHG. Similarly, 16.66 per cent

before joining SHG and 22.50 per cent of women after joining SHG spent Rs.

50,001 to 1,00,000. Only 8.33 per cent of them spent worth more than

Rs.1,00,000 before joining SHG and it was increased to 15.00 per cent after

joining SHG. Further, there was highly significant association between the

SHG joining and acquisition of agricultural equipment as shown by the chi-

square test.

It is also observed from the Table 9 that, with respect to livestock

possession, 38.33 per cent of women before joining SHG and 16.66 per cent

after joining SHG have spent upto Rs. 25,000 to possess livestock. However,

30.83 per cent of the members spent Rs. 25,001 to 50,000 before joining

SHG and it was increased to 37.50 per cent after joining SHG. Further, 23.33

per cent of the women spent within the range of Rs. 50,001 to 1,00,000 before

joining SHG and it was increased to 35.83 per cent after joining SHG. Only

7.50 per cent and 10.00 of women spent more than Rs. 1,00,000 before and

after joining SHG respectively. It was found by the chi-square test that there

was highly significant association between SHG joining and livestock

possession.

There was highly significant association between joining of SHG and

savings of the members as shown by chi-square test (Table 9). As seen from

the table, 33.33 per cent and 16.66 per cent of women were having savings

upto Rs. 25,000 before and after joining SHG respectively. However, 50.00

per cent of the women were having the savings upto Rs. 25,001 to 50,000

before joining SHG and it was increased to 60.00 per cent after joining SHG.

Further, 16.66 per cent of the members were under the category of Rs.

50,001 to 1,00,000 before joining SHG it was increased to 20.83 per cent after

joining SHG. None of the member saved upto Rs. 1,00,000 before joining

SHG but 2.50 per cent of members saved upto Rs. 1,00,000 after joining

SHG.

4.6.2.3 Expenditure pattern

It can be observed from the Table 10 that, with respect to expenditure

pattern on food, 15.83 per cent of the members were under the category of

Rs. 40,001 to 80,000 before joining SHG and it was increased to 19.17 per

63

cent after joining SHG. Similarly, 8.83 per cent of women were under the

category of Rs.80,001 to 1,60,000 before joining SHG, it was increased to

12.50 per cent after joining SHG. There was highly significant association

between SHG joining and expenditure pattern on food as shown by chi-

square test.

With respect to expenditure pattern on clothes, 25.00 per cent of the

women belonged to the category of Rs. 10,001 to 20,000 before and after

joining SHG it was 36.66 per cent. Further, 13.33 per cent of the members

belonged to the category of Rs. 20,001 to 40,000 before and after joining

SHG it was increased to 17.50 per cent. Further, it was found from chi-square

test that there exists significant association between SHG joining and

expenditure pattern on clothes.

It can also be seen from Table 10 that, with respect to religious

functions and marriages 31.67 per cent of them belonged to the category of

Rs. 10,001 to 20,000 before joining SHG and it was 35.83 per cent after

joining SHG. Similarly, 23.33 per cent of the women were under the category

of Rs. 20,001 to 40,000 before joining SHG and it was increased by 40.83 per

cent after joining SHG. The chi-square test indicated that there was highly

significant association between joining of SHG and expenditure on religious

functions and marriages.

It is found that, there was highly significant association between joining

to SHG and expenditure pattern on medical expenses of the members as

shown by chi-square test (Table 10). It could be observed that, 30.00 per cent

of the women were spending upto Rs. 5,001 to 10,000 before joining SHG

and it was increased upto 50.00 per cent after joining SHG. Further, 9.17 per

cent of them were spending upto Rs. 20,001 to 40,000 before joining SHG

and it was increased to 15.00 per cent after joining SHG.

With respect to expenditure pattern on education, 5.00 per cent of the

women were under the category of Rs. 40,001 to 80,000 before joining SHG

and it was 10.00 per cent after joining SHG. Similarly, 5.83 per cent were

under the category of more than Rs. 80,000 before joining SHG and it was

increased to 12.50 per cent after joining SHG. Further, chi-square test results

64

Table 10: Impact of SHG on expenditure pattern of its members (n=120)

Assets Categories Before After

ᵡ2

F % F %

Food (Rs.)

Up to 20,000

20,001 to 40,000

40,001 to 80,000

80,001 to 1,60,000

66

25

19

10

55.00

20.83

15.83

8.83

28

54

23

15

23.33

50.00

19.17

12.50

27.38**

Clothing (Rs.)

Up to 10,000

10,001 to 20,000

20,001 to 40,000

Above 40,000

54

30

16

20

50.00

25.00

13.33

16.66

31

44

21

24

25.83

36.66

17.50

20.00

9.88*

Religious functions and marriages

(Rs.)

Up to 10,000

10,001 to 20,000

20,001 to 40,000

40,001 to 80,000

42

38

28

12

35.00

31.67

23.33

10.00

15

43

49

13

40.83

35.83

40.83

10.83

18.84**

Medical expenses

(Rs.)

Up to 5,000

5,001 to 10,000

10,001 to 20,000

20,001 to 40,000

53

36

20

11

44.17

30.00

16.66

9.17

23

54

25

18

19.17

50.00

20.83

15.00

17.68**

Education (Rs.)

Up to 10,000

10,001 to 20,000

20,001 to 40,000

40,001 to 80,000

Above 80,000

62

33

12

6

7

51.67

27.50

10.00

5.00

5.83

27

45

21

12

15

22.50

37.50

17.50

10.00

12.5

22.96**

*: Significant at 5% probability, **: Significant at 1% probability

65

clearly indicated that, there was highly significant association between joining

of SHG and expenditure pattern on education.

4.6.2.4 Crop productivity

Data with regard to crop productivity depicted in Table 11 clearly

indicated that, there exist increasing trend of crop productivity with respect to

both cotton and groundnut crops. Further, the chi-square test revealed that

there was significant association between joining of SHG and crop

productivity with respect to cotton and groundnut crop.

4.6.2.5 Cropping pattern

It is observed from the Table 12 that, increasing trend was noticed with

respect to cultivation of groundnut in kharif season followed by chickpea in

rabi and jowar in summer, from 40.00 per cent to 51.66 per cent of the women

before and after joining SHG respectively. Similarly, 22.50 per cent of the

members were growing cotton followed by chickpea in kharif and rabi season

respectively before joining SHG and it was increased to 27.50 per cent after

joining SHG. Further, the difference in value between before joining SHG and

after joining SHG was 11.67 per cent and 5.00 per cent in both the cropping

patterns respectively.

4.6.2.6 Employment generation

It is clear from the Table 13 that, 30.00 per cent of the members have

employment before joining SHG and it increased to 43.33 per cent after

joining SHG under medium employment generation category. Further, 27.50

per cent of the members were having employment before joining SHG and

increased to 31.67 per cent after joining SHG under high employment

generation category. There was highly significant association between joining

to SHG and employment of the members as seen by the chi-square test.


It was evident from the Table 14 that, with respect to personal

problems of the members, very large percentage of women experienced lack

of formal education (84.01 %), followed by responsibility of performing

legitimate household activities (50.83), lack of encouragement (47.50%), lack

of training (38.33%) and lack of freedom to take decisions (12.50 %).

66

Table 11: Impact of SHG on crop productivity of its members (n=120)

Crop productivity

Categories

Before After

ᵡ2

F % F %

Cotton Low

Medium

High

52

40

28

43.33

33.33

23.33

27

70

23

22.50

58.33

19.16

16.25**

Groundnut Low

Medium

High

45

50

25

37.50

41.67

20.83

23

75

22

19.16

62.50

18.33

12.40**

**: Significant at 1% probability

67

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

Low Medium High Low Medium High

Cotton Groundnut

Before

After

Crop productivity categories

Perc

enta

ges

68

Table 12: Impact of SHG on cropping pattern of its members

(n=120)

Sl. No.

Cropping pattern

Before After

Difference %

F % F %

1. Maize-F-F

(kharif- rabi- summer ) 30 25.00 18 15.00 -12 10.00

2. Cotton- chickpea- F

(kharif- rabi- summer ) 27 22.50 33 27.50 +6 5.00

3.

Groundnut-chickpea- jowar

(kharif- rabi- summer )

48 40.00 62 51.66 +14 11.67

4. Potato-F-F

(kharif- rabi -summer ) 15 12.50 7 5.83 -8 6.67

69

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

Chickpea-F-F (kharif- rabi- summer ) Cotton- chickpea- F (kharif- rabi-summer )

Groundnut-chickpea- jowar (kharif-rabi- summer )

Potato-F-F (kharif- rabi -summer )

Before

After

Fig. 7. Impact of SHG on cropping pattern of its members Cropping pattern

Pe

rce

nta

ge

s

70

With regard to social problems, 42.50 per cent of the members expressed

conflicts among the group members as their major problem, followed by

partiality of Government officials (30.83%), lack of social mobility because of

restrictions in the family (19.16%) and only 1.66 per cent members expressed

caste system in the village as their problem.

It was observed from the table 14 that with respect to economic

problems, large percentage of the members expressed insufficient loans

(61.66%) followed by income derived is too little (50.00%).

From the Table 14, it could be observed that in case of technical

problems, 26.66 per cent of the members expressed unskilled women group

members as their major problem followed by lack of skills to handle the

implement (15.83%) and shortage of electricity (0.83%).

71

Table 13: Impact of SHG on employment generation of its members

(n=120)

Variable Categorie

s

Before After

ᵡ2

Frequency % Frequency

%

Employment generation

Low

Medium

High

51

36

33

42.50

30.00

27.50

30

52

38

25.00

43.33

31.67

8.72*

*: Significant at 5% level of probability

72

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

Low Medium High

Employment generation

Before

After

Perc

en

tage

s

73

Table 14: Problems faced by the SHG women members

(n=120)

Sl. No.

Problems F

%

I. Personal

1. Lack of formal education 82 84.01

2. Responsibility of performing legitimate household activities

61 50.83

3. Lack of encouragement 57 47.50

4. Lack of training 46 38.33

5. Lack of freedom to take decisions 15 12.50

II. Social

1. Conflicts among the group members 51 42.50

2. Partiality of government officials 37 30.83

3. Lack of social mobility because of restrictions in the family

23 19.16

4. Caste system in the village 2 1.66

III. Economic

1. Insufficient loans 74 61.66

2. Income derived is too little 60 50.00

IV. Technical

1. Unskilled women group members 32 26.66

2. Lack of skills to handle the implement 19 15.83

3. Shortage of electricity 1 0.83


74

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 1 2 1 2 3

I. Personal problems II. Social problems III. Economic problems

IV. Technical problems

Constraints

Perc

en

tag

es

I. Personal problems1. Lack of formal education2. Responsibility of performing legitimate

household activities3. Lack of encouragement4. Lack of training5. Lack of freedom to take decisions

II. Social problems1. Conflicts among the group members2. Partiality of government officials3. Lack of social mobility because of

restrictions in the family4. Caste system in the village

III. Economic problems1. Insufficient loans2. Income derived is too little

IV. Technical problems1. Unskilled women group members2. Lack of skills to handle the implements3. Shortage of electricity

75

5. DISCUSSION

The results of the present study are discussed in this chapter under

the following heads.



5.3 Reasons for undertaking the agricultural activities by the SHG

members

5.4 Monitory and non-monitory benefits derived from the agricultural

activities by the SHG members




activities


5.1.1 Age

It was evident from Table 1 that 58.30 per cent of the women were

in middle age group of 31 to 50 years while, 21.70 per cent of them

belonged to young age group. Usually, women of middle age are

enthusiastic and more efficient than younger and older age groups.

Further, middle aged women are more responsible than their younger

counter parts and also they are more interested in development, aspire to

earn more from subsidiary occupation as compared to old women. This

might be the reason to find majority of the respondents in the middle age

group.

The result is in line with the finding of Laxmi and Vadivalaghan

(2011).

5.1.2 Education

A glance at Table 1 shows that 40.00 per cent of the women were

illiterate and only 28.30 per cent of respondents had education upto

primary school and 13.30 per cent of women had high school education.

Non-realization of the influence of formal education has come in the way

of getting them better education by their parents. Poor economic status,

non encouragement, rural social environment and poor education facilities

76

during their childhood days and schools located in faraway places were

the other contributing reasons for poor education.

Considerable percentage of rural women were illiterate, the

possible reason could be that in SHGs education is not the criteria for

membership. Both educated and uneducated members have equal

responsibilities and participation in the activities of SHG.

Considerably low percentage of rural women had college education

(5.80%) and graduation (1.70%). Those members who had college

education and graduation were from educated family with educated

brothers and sisters. They were also interested to get higher education

due to their better financial facilities.

The results are in conformity with the results of Narayanswamy et

al. (2005) and Laxmi and Vadivalaghan (2011).


Marital status of the women indicates that 90.00 per cent of the

women were married because most of the women belonged to the age

group of 31 to 50 years and also the probable reason for it is, in the

villages, the age at marriage for the women will be generally low.

This result is in agreement to the findings of Joseph and Easwaran

(2006) and Balakrishna and Tamilselvi (2009).

5.1.4 Family type

The data pertaining to family type revealed that majority of the

women (77.50%) belonged to nuclear family whereas 22.50 per cent of

them belonged to joint family. Due to urbanization, people would prefer to

live in nuclear family for the sake of close contacts, satisfaction of basic

needs and also realization of the advantages of nuclear families in terms

of running the family and less responsibilities and privacy. Moreover

majority of respondents preferred nuclear families because in nuclear

families more attention can be given towards their family members, this

was not possible in joint families.

The finding is in line with the finding of Bharathi (2005) and Aiyasha

et al. (2012).

5.1.5 Family size

77

It is noticed from Table 1 that, 62.50 per cent of women belonged

to medium family (4-6 members) whereas 20.00 per cent belonged to

small family (1-3 members) and only 11.70 per cent of them belonged to

large family (7-9 members). This might be due to the practice of small

family norms, their awareness regarding the increased cost of living and

difficulties in maintenance of big family. They might have found it

beneficial to have small families to lead a better and comfortable life.

The result is in conformity with the results of Joseph and Eswaran

(2006).

5.1.6 Caste

Regarding the caste status, majority of the women belonged to the

category of backward caste (90.00%) and only 7.50 per cent belonged to

scheduled tribe. It may be because of concentration of those castes in this

particular area.

People belonging to other backward caste, scheduled caste and

scheduled tribe were economically and socially oppressed. So self-help

groups encourage and aim at improving of their living status and

encourage persons living below poverty line to join SHGs and it might be

the reason why these categories were more in the study area.

This result is in line with the results of Shylendra et al. (2010).

5.1.7 Occupation

The result shows that majority of the women were practicing

agriculture as their primary occupation (73.30%), non-agriculture (16.70%)

and agriculture + business activities (10.00%). The motivation by SHG in

taking up livestock and other agro-business activities and income

generating activities, besides small land holding and rain-fed situation

were the reasons for the existing situation.

The finding is in line with the finding of Mamoni et al. (2010) and

Reshma (2011).


The results shown that more number of women had medium

achievement motivation (40.00%) followed by high achievement

motivation (34.20%). This shows the enthusiasm and zeal amongst

78

respondents to become economically sound. It is assumed that

achievement motivation forces the individual towards reaching the goals,

which one has to set for oneself and which is due to women

empowerment activities initiated by SHGs.

This result is in agreement with the results of Suresh (2004) and

Deepak (2003).


The result reveals the varied agricultural activities carried out by

women SHGs. It was found that a diversified range of activities were

carried out by the different women SHGs belonging to different villages of

the study area according to the availability of the opportunities provided by

the implementing agencies as well as availability of resources in the local

area.

The results reveal that most of the women involved in various farm

and non-farm activities like dairy, poultry, sheep and goat rearing, kitchen

gardening, making farm yard manure, vermicompost preparations,

growing horticulture crops, rice cultivation by adopting SRI method, azolla

cultivation, honey bee-keeping, liquid fertilizer production and marketing of

horticulture crops like banana and coconut etc. The possible reason for

taking up various agricultural activities by the women members might be

the trainings obtained after joining SHG. Due attention is needed to bring

more women members to adopt more agricultural activities as it was

observed that women who have undertaken the agricultural activities were

comparatively less than those who had undertaken income generating

activities. Because, training has specific goals of improving one’s

capability, capacity and performance.

The findings are in conformity with the findings of Joshi (2004) and

Hirevenkangoudar et al. (2006) and Sowjanya (2007).


It could be observed from Table 3 that, majority (51.66%) of women

stated poor economic status as the major reason for undertaking the

agricultural activities followed by there was no other source of income

(21.66%). Majority of respondents were landholders. Consistent weather

79

and sufficient rain fall for three consecutive years in the study area made

them to go for agricultural activities like kitchen gardening, cultivation of

rice using SRI method, dairy, poultry, goat and sheep rearing etc. In

addition, they worked to provide basic support to their families.

These findings are similar to the findings of study conducted by

Bharathamma (2005).


a. Monetary benefits

It is observed that 37.50 per cent of the women earned incremental

income of Rs. 1000-2000 per annum followed by 25.00 per cent of women

earned Rs. 2000-4000. The possible reason could be noticed as after

joining SHG different type of economic activities taken up by women

members, size of the activity, low cost benefit ratio and degree of

involvement in the activity which also varied. Overall, the monetary

benefits derived were of low level which has to be paid due attention.

b. Non-monetary benefits

The data presented in Table 4 revealed that 55.83 per cent of the

women members were of the opinion that their confidence level had

improved. Having self-employed and earned additional income, naturally

their self confidence was also boosted. Further, 27.50 per cent of the

women have opined that their communication ability had improved. As the

beneficiaries were participating in meetings, trainings and discussions with

the members and interacting with buyers of their products, they have

improved their communication skills. As they were earning income, most

of the beneficiaries could be able to earn respect from the society as well

as from family members.

These findings are in line with the results of Prita (2001).


It was evident from Table 5 that, majority of the respondents

(79.17%) were utilizing their profit for the purpose of meeting their daily

necessities, followed by saving for the future (66.67%) and education of

their children (61.67%). These results indicated that they are supporting

their family to provide the basic necessities. They also felt that the

80

education is most important for leading better life. So, they thought of

providing education to their children and being an SHG member they had

the habit of saving for the future also.

These results are in line with the study conducted by Prita (2001).


5.6.1 Annual income

It could be seen from Table 6 that, exactly half of the women were

in the medium annual income category before joining SHG and it was

increased to 75.00 per cent after joining SHG. The difference in values

indicated the improvement in annual income of the members i.e. a shift

from low annual income category to medium and high annual income

categories were observed. This clearly indicates the positive impact of

SHG on annual income of its members which is an important dimension of

agriculture.

Table 7 clearly shows the significant ‘t’ values for the agricultural

dimensions like land productivity of groundnut crop (20.71), employment

generation (16.02), land productivity of cotton crop (14.56), annual income

(7.95), consumption pattern (6.98), and asset acquisition (6.31) with the

percentage change of 31.07, 26.50, 21.00, 15.03, 19.42, 11.15 and

respectively.

It could be observed from Table 8 that, there is a clear indication of

increasing trend of annual income of members, in case of high annual

income category there was increase in number of members from 7.50 per

cent before joining SHG to 23.33 per cent after joining SHG. Further, chi-

square value revealed the highly significant impact of SHG on annual

income of its members.

It is quite obvious that income from agriculture before and after

joining SHG has positive and significant impact on the members. This is

due to the fact that the majority of farm women have taken up agriculture

as their main occupation and they depend on this income only for their

livelihood and results also revealed that some farm women in addition to

agriculture have taken up agro-based subsidiary enterprises like dairy,

poultry, goat and sheep rearing etc. The results are quite encouraging as

81

the members after joining SHG, availed credit from the savings made in

SHG and diversified their activities on various aspects like agriculture,

agro-based subsidiary and business activities.

The findings are in accordance with the findings of Shashidhar

(2004).

5.6.2 Asset acquisition

It could be observed from the Table 9 that, only 28.33 per cent of

SHG members before joining SHG belonged to marginal farmers category

and it was decreased to 12.50 per cent after joining SHG followed by

24.17 per cent of women belonged to small farmers category before

joining SHG and it was decreased to 22.50 per cent after joining SHG.

However, 20.83, 25.00 and 1.67 percentages of women were under the

category of semi-medium, medium and big farmers before joining SHG

and it was increased to 26.67, 35.83 and 2.50 per cent after joining SHG

respectively. The reason for increase in the land might be that the study

area comes under transitional belt with assured rainfall. If the farm women

purchase the land by taking loan from SHG which enhanced their social

status in the village and they can grow crops with assured income.

The results with regard to acquisition of own house indicated that,

30.83 per cent of women before joining SHG have spent amount within

the range of Rs. 25,000 to 50,000 which is decreased to 14.17 per cent of

women after joining SHG. However, 32.50 per cent of the women before

joining SHG have invested the amount on purchase or renovation of

existing house up to more than Rs. 2,00,000 which is increased to 38.33

per cent after joining SHG. Further, 30.00 and 6.67 percentage of women

have spent within the range of Rs.1,00,000 to 2,00,000 and above Rs.

2,00,000 before joining SHG which is increased to 36.70 and 10.83 per

cent after joining SHG respectively. This is mainly because the credit they

are getting from SHG with the savings made.

Result with respect to purchase of agricultural equipment revealed

that, 35.83 per cent of the SHG members before joining SHG had spent

up to Rs. 25,000 which is decreased to 16.66 per cent after joining SHG.

However, 39.16, 16.66 and 8.33 per cent of members before joining SHG

82

have spent on purchase of agricultural equipment in the range of Rs.

25000 to 50000, 50001 to 1,00,000 and more than 1,00,000 which is

increased to 45.83, 22.50 and 15.00 per cent after joining SHG

respectively. As the women members take credit from savings made in

SHG and make profit by investing it on agricultural implements and

machineries which will come for their future use.

Further the results, with regard to livestock possession, 38.33 per

cent of the women before joining SHG have spent on purchase of animals

up to Rs. 25,000 which is decreased to 16.66 per cent of the women after

joining SHG. However, 30.83, 23.33 and 7.50 per cent of women before

joining SHG have spent within the range of Rs. 25000 to 50000, 50001 to

1,00,000 and more than 1,00,000 which is increased to 37.50, 35.83 and

10.00 per cent after joining SHG. This is mainly because Government is

providing subsidy for SHG members to purchase animals and due to this

more number of women started their dairy unit, poultry and sheep and

goat rearing.

The data presented in Table 9 with respect to savings revealed

that, 33.33 per cent of the SHG women before joining SHG have spent up

to Rs. 25,000 which is decreased to 16.66 per cent of them after joining

SHG. However, 50.00 and 16.66 per cent women before joining SHG

have spent their savings in the range of Rs. 25001 to 50,000 and Rs.

50,001 to 1,00,000 on purchase of gold, household articles, etc which is

increased to 60.00 and 20.83 per cent of them after joining SHG

respectively. This is mainly because of farm women after getting credit

from the savings made have invested more on accumulation of financial

assets.

The above findings are in conformity to the findings of Jayaprada

(2007) and Sowjanya (2007).

5.6.3 Expenditure pattern

The results with respect to impact of SHG on different expenditure

patterns of its members are presented in Table 10. With regard to

expenditure on food, it can be observed that the overall expenditure

pattern has increased after joining SHG. Only 23.33 per cent women

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members have spent upto Rs. 20000 after joining SHG, which was 55.00

per cent before joining SHG. Further, the percentage of women in the

range of expenditure categories of Rs. 20,001 to 40000, Rs. 40,001 to

80,000 and 80,001 to 1,60,000 were increased from 20.83, 15.83 and

8.83 before joining SHG to 50.00, 19.17 and 12.50 after joining SHG

respectively. It was found from chi-square test that there exist highly

significant association between SHG joining and expenditure spent on

food. The possible reason for increase in expenditure on food after

becoming members of SHG might be the women have initiated income

generating activities by which their spending capacity has increased.

Regarding the results with respect to expenditure on clothing, it is

evident from the Table 10 that overall expenditure spent on clothes has

increased after joining SHG. Only 25.83 per cent of women have spent

amount worth Rs. 10,000 after joining SHG which was 50.00 per cent

before joining SHG. Further, the percentage of women in the expenditure

range of Rs. 10,001 to 20,000, 20,001 to 40,000 and above 40,000 were

increased from 25.00, 13.33 and 16.66 before joining SHG to 36.66, 17.50

and 20.00 after joining SHG respectively. Further, it was found from chi-

square test that there is significant association between SHG joining and

expenditure spent on clothes. The reason for increase in expenditure on

clothes after joining SHG might be the income they were getting from the

agricultural activities and income generating activities.

The results with expenditure on religious functions and marriages

shows that, only 12.50 per cent of women have spent upto Rs. 10,000

after joining SHG which was 35.00 per cent before joining SHG. Further,

the percentage of women in the expenditure range of Rs. 10,001 to

20,000, 20,001 to 40,000 and 40,001 to 80,000 were increased from

31.67, 23.33 and 10.00 before joining SHG to 35.83, 40.83 and 10.83

after joining SHG respectively. The chi-square test indicated that there is

significant association between SHG joining and expenditure on

marriages and religious functions. This can be attributed to the fact that

women started one or other income generation activities after joining

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SHG. There by their income and savings also increased. This might have

led to increased spending on marriages and religious functions.

It is found that there was highly significant association between

joining SHG and expenditure spent on medical expenses of the members

as shown by chi-square test (Table 10). It could also be noticed that only

19.17 per cent women were spending upto Rs. 5000 after joining SHG

which was 44.17 per cent before joining SHG. Further, the women in the

expenditure categories of Rs. 5001 to 10000, Rs. 10001 to 20000, and

Rs. 20001 to 40000 were increased from 30.00, 16.66 and 9.17 per cent

before joining SHG to 50.00, 20.83 and 15.00 per cent after joining SHG.

The possible reason could be that the women after joining SHG started

saving their money and get the loan for medical expenses which was not

the criteria before joining SHG due to lack of money.

With respect to education, only 22.50 per cent women have spent

upto Rs. 10000 after joining SHG which was 51.67 per cent before joining

SHG. Further, the women in the expenditure categories of Rs. 10001 to

20000, Rs. 20001 to 40000, Rs. 40001 to 80000 above Rs.80000 were

increased from 27.50, 10.00, 5.00 and 5.83 per cent before joining SHG to

37.50, 17.50, 10.00 and 12.50 after joining SHG. Further, the chi-square

test indicated highly significant association between joining SHG and

expenditure spent on education. This might be due to loan facility, farm

women could increase her earnings by taking income generating activities

and agricultural activities and thereby spend on education.

The above findings are in conformity to the findings of Sundaram

(2012).

5.6.4 Crop productivity

The production capacity of land under different crops is presented

in Table 11.

The crop productivity with respect to cotton was noted as 43.33 per

cent of members before joining SHG and 22.50 per cent of them after

joining SHG were getting low level yields. Further, 33.33 cent of members

before joining SHG and 58.33 per cent of them after joining SHG were

getting medium level yields. This is mainly because farm women after

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joining SHG has invested their savings on purchase of good quality

varieties, seeds and fertilizers and farm yard manure. Hence the yield

levels were increased. Similarly, in case of groundnut 41.67 per cent of

women before joining SHG and 62.50 per cent after joining SHG women

were getting medium level yields. This is mainly because groundnut is

sown during summer due to lack of sufficient rain or irrigation the yield

might have reduced but farm women got consisted income.

Further, highly significant results of chi-square indicate that there is

considerable changes in crop productivity before and after joining to SHG.

Since crop productivity is one of the important dimensions of agriculture

development. It can be concluded that there is positive impact of SHG on

agriculture development of its women members.

The above findings are in conformity to the findings of Abhasharma

(2001) and Jayaprada (2007).

5.6.5 Cropping pattern

The data presented in Table 12 clearly shown that 22.50 per cent

women were growing cotton in kharif followed by chickpea in rabi season

before joining SHG was increased to 27.50 percent after joining SHG.

Increasing trend was observed with respect to cultivation of groundnut in

kharif season followed by chickpea in rabi and jowar in summer, there is

increase of 40.00 per cent of women before borrowing loan to 51.66 per

cent after availing loan from SHG.

The increase in the cropped area had clearly brought the

importance of SHG credit facility for the efficiency of use of natural

resources especially the land.

The above findings are in conformity to the findings of Jayaprada

(2007).

5.6.6 Employment generation

It is clearly observed from the table 13 that 42.50 per cent of

women were found under low employment category before joining SHG

while it was 25.00 per cent after joining SHG. However, 30.00 per cent of

the members were found under medium employment category before

joining SHG and it was increased to 43.33 per cent after joining SHG. This

86

is due to the women were borrowing loan from SHG after joining it and

were investing it in beginning of new business activities like bangle shop,

chilly processing unit, papad and pickle making business etc. and other

agricultural and allied activities like livestock rearing, vermicomposting,

growing of horticulture crops and honey-bee keeping etc. It clearly

indicated the improvement in employment generation.

The findings are in accordance with the findings of Nalini et al

(2013).


activities

The data projected in table 14 revealed that majority of the farm

women SHG members considered lack of formal education (84.01%) as

their personal problem, because majority of the women living in rural

areas are either illiterate or only functionally literate. The results presented

in the study (Table 1) also indicate that majority of the SHG members are

illiterate. Thus, adult literacy programme can be given to the extent that

women members know read and write and do their signature at least.

Hence literacy plays an important role in empowering the rural women.

With regard to social problems, 42.50 per cent of the members

expressed conflicts among the group members as their major problem.

This is because of misunderstandings and lack of coordination among the

members to work in groups.

With respect to economic problems, large percentage of the

members expressed that the insufficient loans (61.66%). This may be

because of that their irregular repayment because of their small savings.

However, to begin any new activity it requires more investment in the

initial stage which can be possible only when there is sufficient savings

from all the members of SHG. Hence, here SHG members should have

more knowledge about the savings and should work hard to gain more

profit by taking up income generating activities.

It could be observed that in case of technical problems, 26.66 per

cent of the members expressed unskilled women group members as their

major problem. This may be because of lack of trainings the members

87

obtained. Hence, necessary trainings should be conducted for the women

to upgrade and improve their skills.

These findings are in line with the findings of Githamma (2007),

Minimol and Makesh (2012) and Karuna Jeba Mary et al (2013).

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6. SUMMARY AND POLICY IMPLICATIONS

Women constitute not only half of the world population but also sway

the growth of the remaining half. They produce half the world’s food supply

and account for 60 per cent of the working force but comprise only about 30

per cent of the official labour force, receive benefits of only 10 per cent of the

world’s economy and surprisingly own less than 1 per cent of the world’s real

estate. They have little access to productive resources and negligible control

over income.

The Government of India and State authorities alike have increasingly

realized the importance of devoting attention to the economic betterment and

development of rural women in India. The Indian constitution guarantees that

there shall be no discrimination on the grounds of gender. In reality,

however, rural women have harder lives and are often discriminated with

regard to land and property rights and in access to medical facilities and rural

finance. Their nutritional status and literacy rates are lower than those of

men.

Key instruments for supporting women’s empowerment are self-help

groups. SHGs are generally facilitated by NGOs and increasingly advice and

train members in a variety of on-farm and off-farm income generating

activities. Apart from weak market linkages in the context of income

generating activities, there are also a few other concerns in relation to

women’s empowerment.

• First is the capacity building of SHGs, which are in need of support in

accounting, financial management and organizational development.

• The second concern is about the gender focus in rural financial services.

Despite the focus in project design, there were gaps during

implementation. In Maharashtra Rural Credit Project, women tended to

be small borrowers and were able to capture only 32 per cent of the bank

credit that was provided. Therefore, gender focus in designing and

implementing rural microfinance services should be enhanced.

• The third challenge is about how to link SHGs to agricultural activities,

which are of key importance for the livelihoods of small farm holders in

89

India, but at the moment SHGs have not taken much agricultural

activities, as the decisions on agriculture are mainly by men.

With this background, the present study “Impact of self help group’s

agricultural activities on farm women” has been formulated with the following

specific objectives.

1. To analyze the profile of self-help group members

2. To document the agricultural activities undertaken by the SHG members

3. To study the extent of impact of agricultural activities on SHG members

4. To identify the problems faced by the members of the SHGs in

undertaking agricultural activities

Ex-post facto research design was used for conducting the study.

Dharwad district of North Karnataka was selected purposefully. Out of five

taluks, two taluks were selected based on highest number of SHGs. From

each taluk, five villages were selected by using same criterion. From each

selected village three self-help groups and from each group, four

respondents were randomly selected for the study. Thus, the total sample

size was 120 respondents.

The interview schedule was used for data collection, which was pre-

tested and modified to reduce ambiguity in the questions. Data were

collected personally by using structured interview schedule and analyzed by

using statistical tools viz., mean, standard deviation, frequency, percentage,

paired ‘t’ test and chi-square test.

MAJOR FINDINGS OF THE STUDY

A. Profile of the SHG members

� More than half (58.30%) of the respondents belonged to middle age

group

� More than one-third (40.00%) of the respondents were illiterate

� Majority (90.00%) of the respondents were married

� More than three-fourth (77.50%) of the respondents belonged to nuclear

family

� Nearly two-third (62.50%) of the respondents belonged to medium family

� Majority (90.00%) of the respondents belonged to other backward caste

� Nearly three-fourth (73.30%) of the respondents have agriculture as their

main occupation

90

� More than one-third (40.00%) of the respondents had medium

achievement motivation

B. Agricultural activities undertaken by SHG members

� More than one-fourth (26.66%) of members had undertaken dairy farming

followed by equal percentage poultry farming (12.50%) and FYM making

(12.50%), vermicomposting units (10.83%), goat-sheep rearing (10.00%)

and kitchen gardening (8.33%), farm pond (5.00%), SRI method of rice

cultivation (4.17%), azolla cultivation (3.33%) growing of horticulture

crops (2.50%) and honey bee-keeping (2.50%), liquid fertilizers

production (0.83%) and selling of banana and coconut (0.83%).

� More than half of the respondents expressed the reason for taking

agricultural activity as ‘poor economic condition of the family’ (51.66%)

followed by there is no other source of income (21.66%) and due to

traditional practices (12.50%).

� More than one-third (37.50%) of the members were getting low monetary

benefits which ranged between Rs. 1000-2000 and 25 per cent medium

monetary benefit of Rs. 2000-4000.

� More than half (55.83%) of the respondents felt improvement in their

confidence level, followed by increased communication skills (27.50%)

and respect from the family member (25.83%) by taking up of agricultural

activities.

� More than three-fourth of the respondents stated that the profit was

utilized for the purpose of meeting necessities (79.17%) followed by

saving for future (66.67%) and education for their children (61.67%).

C. Impact of SHG on agriculture development

� In agriculture development, the dimensions like annual income, asset

acquisition, expenditure pattern, crop productivity with respect to

groundnut and cotton and employment generation had positive and

significant impact on agriculture development as indicated by ‘t’ values.

� Chi-square values also revealed highly significant association between

joining SHG and the dimensions including annual income (19.58), asset

acquisition (viz., land-10.82, own house- 10.00, agricultural equipment-

12.32, livestock possession-14.61, savings-11.32), expenditure pattern

(viz., food-27.38, clothing-9.88, religious functions and marriages-18.84,

91

medical expenses- 17.68, education-22.96), crop productivity with

respect to cotton (16.25) and groundnut (12.40) and employment

generation (8.72).

D. Constraints experienced by SHG members

� Majority of the members experienced lack of formal education (84.01%)

and responsibility of performing legitimate household activities (50.83%)

as per the personal problems are concerned.

� More than one-third of the members felt conflicts among the group

members (42.50%) and partiality of Government officials (30.83%) were

the major social problems experienced by the members.

� Under economic problems, nearly two-third of the respondents expressed

insufficient loans (61.66%) and income derived is too little from

agricultural activity (50.00%) experienced by the SHG members.

� The technical problems experienced by the members were unskilled

women group members (26.66%) and lack of skills to handle the

implements (15.83%).

Implications of the study

In the light of the findings of the study and from the observations of

the researcher during data collection, following implications are made for the

effective implementing of SHGs, to the concerned developmental

departments.

� It was evident from the investigation that considerably less percentage of

self-help group members has adopted agricultural activities viz., dairy

farming, poultry, sheep and goat rearing, kitchen gardening, FYM pit,

vermicompost preparations, SRI method of rice cultivation, azolla

cultivation, honey bee-keeping etc. In order to enhance the performance

of SHG members in adopting more agricultural activities and developing

agro-based enterprises, it is ideal that Agricultural Universities,

Department of Agriculture and NGOs should organize training

programmes about agro-based enterprises, effective demonstrations on

vermicompost, liquid fertilizer production and FYM preparations,

campaigns to disseminate agricultural technologies and regular women

meetings to motivate and persuade them for acceptance of sustainable

agricultural technologies. This needs sincere efforts in providing required

92

facilities like supply of inputs (seeds, fertilizers etc.) for rice and other

crop cultivation and kitchen gardening, marketing structure and other

infrastructure to increase the adoption of the new agricultural

technologies.

� It was observed from the investigation that self-help group members have

a common perception of need and importance toward collective action,

which means only for promoting savings among members and use the

pooled resources to meet their emergent needs. The women members

should also work collectively to sharpen their micro-entrepreneurial skills

with the help of their own savings and additional bank credit, as needed

either by adopting agricultural and allied activities viz., vegetable vending,

vermicomposting, dairy, poultry etc or IGAs like grocery shop, papad and

pickle making, bangle shop etc at village level. SHG leaders should take

lead to arrange field visits to successful SHGs who perform better in

running micro-enterprises.

� Considerable proportions of respondents share the view that the

Government is apathetic towards them. They expressed delay in

sanctioning and disbursement of loan to SHGs and also they felt the loan

amount is insufficient for income generation. The loan amount needs to

be fixed according to the requirements of the projects undertaken and

revised periodically. Provision of multi-purpose loans or composite credit

for income generation, housing improvement and consumption support.

The administrators and bankers need to infuse confidence in the minds of

the members of SHGs. Efforts should be made to avoid delay in

sanctioning revolving fund and loan.

� The study reported aptly that the farm women with high entrepreneurship

behavior may be highly, economically motivated and hence there is a

great need to improve education, mass media use and communication

status of the women through formal and non-formal education to create

an awareness about self-development. So that they will enhance the

capability to manage communities and community projects.

Suggestions for future research

� A comparative analysis of the SHG women involved in farming activities

and non-farming activities may be conducted.

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� The study was conducted in only one district of North Karnataka with

reference to impact of SHG, it is necessary to have studies in other areas

also in order to generalize the findings.

� A comprehensive study on impact of self-help groups’ agricultural

activities on socio-economic aspects of the farm families can be taken up.

� In-depth analysis of the problems faced by the women SHG members

can be taken up in order to find out practical solutions for each problem.

94

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APPENDIX I

Interview schedule

IMPACT OF SELF HELP GROUPS’ AGRICULTURAL

ACTIVITIES ON FARM WOMEN Part – A

Respondent number: ___________ Date:

_________

GENERAL INFORMATION

1. Name of the respondent:

2. Village:

3. Taluk:

4. Age (in completed years):

5. Education:

a. Illiterate

b. Functionally literate

c. Primary school

d. Middle school

e. High school

f. PUC

g. Graduation/PG

6. Marital status:

a. Unmarried

b. Married

c. Widow

d. Separated

7. Caste:

Name of the caste (SC/ST/OTHERS): ________________

8. Family type:

a. Nuclear

b. Joint

9. Size of the family

a. Men: _________

b. Women: _________

c. Children: _________

Total: _________

10. Occupation of respondent:

a) Main:

b) Subsidiary:

c) Others:

11. Achievement motivation:

103

Please indicate what is your feeling about these statements by indicating the

degree of your agreement/disagreement by tick ( ) marking each statement in

appropriate column.

Sl.

No.

Statements A SA UD DA SDA

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

Women should enjoy work as much as

play

Women should work like slave at

everything she undertakes until she is

satisfied with the results.

Women should succeed in her

occupation even if one has been

neglectful of her.

Women should have determination and

ambition to achieve things in life even if,

these qualities make one unpopular.

Work should come first even if one

cannot get rest.

Even when women own interests are in

danger she should concentrate on her

job and forget her obligation to others.

Women should set difficult goals for one

self and try to achieve them.

SA- Strongly agree, A-Agree, UD-Undecided, DA-Disagree, SDA-Strongly

disagree

PART - B

12. Agricultural activity undertaken up by the respondents

Sl. No. Activity

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

13. Why you have taken this activity?

a. To buy assets Yes/No

b. Traditionally practiced Yes/No

c. To pass time Yes/No

d. Poor economic condition Yes/No

e. There is no other source of income Yes/No

14. Benefits derived from the agricultural activity

104

I. Monitory benefits

Incremental income: Rs. 1000- 2000 per month

Rs. 2001- 4000 per month

Rs. 4001- 6000 per month

II. Non-monitory benefits derived by the respondents from agricultural activity

Sl.

No. Non-monitory benefits Yes/No

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

Increased their communication skill

Respect from the society

Respect from the family members

Increased confidence level

Cropping pattern and intensity changed

Household consumption of products

Others (if any)

PART-C

CONSTRAINTS EXPERIENCED BY THE MEMBERS OF THE SHGS

Sl.

No. Problems

Respondents

Frequency Percentage

1. Personal problems

a. Lack of training

b. Lack of freedom to take decisions

c. Lack of encouragement

d. Lack of formal education

e. Responsibility of performing legitimate

household activities

2. Social problems

a. Lack of social mobility because of

restrictions in the

family

b. Conflicts among the group members

c. Caste system in the village

d. Partiality of government officials

105

3. Economic problems

a. Income derived is too little

b. Loans are not sufficient

c. Product has no market

d. Costly enterprise

4. Technical problems

a. Lack of skills to handle the implements

b. Non- availability to spare parts

c. Shortage of electricity

d. Unskilled women group members

PART-II

IMPACT OF SHGs ON AGRICULTURE DEVELOPMENT

1) Crop productivity

Sl. No.

Season

Before After

Crops Area

(ha)

Yield

(t) Crops

Area

(ha)

Yield

(t)

A. Agriculture

1. Kharif

1.

2.

3.

2. Rabi

1.

2.

3.

3. Summer

1.

2.

3.

B. Forestry

1.

2.

3.

C. Horticulture

1.

2.

3.

2) Annual income

a) Agriculture

Sl. No. Season Before After

Crops Area Yield (t) Crops Area Yield (t)

106

(ha) (ha)

1. Kharif

2. Rabi

3. Summer

Total

b) Other sources of income

Sl. No. Sources of income Before After Income per

year (Rs.)

1. Agriculture

2.

Agro-based

subsidiary

enterprises (like

poultry,

dairy, goat/sheep

rearing

etc.

3. Business

4. Others (specify)

Total

Grand total

2) Asset acquisition

Particulars

Mean value of asset in Rs. per

beneficiary

Before After

Land 1. Irrigated

2. Dry land

Own house

Farm machines/implements

1. Tractor

2. Bullock cart

3. Plough

4. Seed drill

5. Harvesting machine

etc

Livestock

Financial assets

Other assets (specify)

107

Total

4) Expenditure pattern

Sl. No. Particulars

Mean value of items in Rs. per

respondent

Before After

1. Food

2. Clothing

3. Religious functions and

marriage

4. Medical

5. Education

6. Other (specify)

Total

5) Cropping pattern

Sl.

No

.

Season/cro

p

Area (ha) Crop yields

(q/ha) Change

Percentag

e Befor

e

Afte

r

Befor

e

Afte

r

Quantit

y

Mone

y

1. Kharif

a)

b)

c)

d)

2. Rabi

a)

b)

c)

d)

3. Summer

a)

b)

c)

d)

4. Total

108

6. Employment generation

Number of Employment Number of Mandays/annum

Before After Before After

1) On-farm employment

2) Off- farm

employment

3) Overall

IMPACT OF SELF-HELP GROUPS’ AGRICULTURAL ACTIVITIES ON FARM WOMEN

ASHWINI P. BANNATTI 2015 Dr. S. V. HALAKATTI MAJOR ADVISOR

ABSTRACT

The study was conducted to know the impact of self-help groups’ agricultural

activities on farm women during the year 2014-2015. One hundred and twenty farm

women formed the sample for the study. A structured interview schedule was used to

collect the information through personal interview. The data was analyzed by using

frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, paired ‘t’ test and chi square.

The profile of women SHG members revealed that majority were middle aged

(58.30%), illiterate (40.00%), married (90.00%) and belonged to other backward

caste (90.00%), medium family size (62.50%) and nuclear family (77.50%). Further,

SHG women belonged to medium achievement motivation was found with 40.00 per

cent.

Agricultural activities taken up by the SHG members were dairy farming

(26.66%), poultry farming (12.50%), FYM preparation (12.50%), vermicomposting

(10.83%), goat and sheep rearing (10.00%), kitchen gardening, farm pond, SRI

method of rice cultivation, azolla cultivation, honey bee-keeping, liquid fertilizer

production etc.

Poor economic condition of the family (51.66%) and there is no other source

of income (21.66%) were the major reasons for taking up agricultural activities. The

women were getting monetary benefits of Rs. 1000-2000 from agricultural activity

(37.50%) and non-monetary benefits like increased confidence (55.83%), increased

communication skill (27.50%) and respect from the family members (25.83%).

The chi-square test results indicated that, asset acquisition, expenditure

pattern, crop productivity, cropping pattern, employment generation and annual

income of the women SHG members were found to be significant in association with

joining of SHG. Further, ‘t’ test results were also found significant.

The problems faced by the SHG women members were lack of formal

education (84.01%), insufficient loans (61.66%) and responsibility of performing

legitimate household activities (50.83%).

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