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Journal of Global Awareness

Journal of Global Awareness

Document Type

Article

Abstract

Self-Help Groups (SHGs) are informal grassroots associations of people who have similar objectives and concerns working cooperatively and collectively to meet their needs and improve their living conditions. SHGs are known to contribute towards the development and welfare of their members. This paper examines the role of SHGs in community development in Kenya with a focus on selected women groups in Migori and Makueni Counties. The study adopted a mixed research approach that provided both qualitative and quantitative data, and it was anchored on two interrelated theories of community development: empowerment theory and social capital theory. The researchers interviewed 80 members of 12 SHGs in the two rural counties. The findings show that SHGs played a significant role in enhancing social interactions among the rural communities, encouraging participation of women in activities undertaken by community groups, and in dealing with challenges that were presented by income shocks. SHGs impacted positively on the lives of members and played an integral role in promoting the contributions of women to rural development. Participation in SHG practice among women supplemented family income, improved livelihoods, and enabled women to participate in community welfare activities. The challenges faced by the groups included financial constraints, governance issues, gender-based barriers to women’s participation, interpersonal conflicts, and power-related disruptions. To enhance SHGs’ contributions to rural development, the study recommends that members and groups’ leadership be proactive in seeking out linkages with agencies that can help them nurture their Income Generating Activities (IGAs).

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