Role of Self Help Groups in Improving Members’ Social Economic Condition among Women in Dodoma Municipality

Abstract

Self Help Groups (SHGs) are important vehicles through which members organized themselves for mutual benefits in several aspect such as social and economic. Women all over the world and particularly in developing countries find it as a vehicle for poverty reduction. This Study was conducted in Dodoma Municipality and involved 60 Women respondents involved in Self Help Groups. Data was obtained through different method such as Household Survey, focus Group Discussion (FGDs) and Key Informant Interviews.  The study found that there are about three types of Self Help Groups in the study area and each serve different functions in solving social and economic condition of poor. Village Community Bank (VICOBA) provide loan to their members on agreed basis while ROSCA is a community revolving fund on which member contribute and share the money on agreed manner. On other hand Neighbor/Ethnic group mostly provide social support in case of social problem such as funeral arrangement, illness and any other agreed festival. In whatever case Self Help Groups have been the important mechanism through which poor find the way to improve their life socially and economically. The study recommends to government to support the groups in term of training and formalization of groups so that they can reap more benefits. Also men should be encouraged to participate in SHGs as they are important vehicle for poverty reduction not only for women but also to men

Keywords: Self help groups, Social, Economic, Women