Influence of Women Groups on Socio Economic Empowerment on Households in Malava Constituency, Kakamega County, Kenya

Abstract

Although women’s contribution on the socio economic empowerment of households has significantly increased, it has never been appreciated by many .It is on this background that the study sought to find out the influence of women groups on socio-economic empowerment on households in Malava constituency, Kakamega County, Kenya. The specific objectives of this study were: First, analyse the ways in which the involvement of women in groups affect the household socio-economic development in Malava constituency, second,assess how members of women groups use their incomes, third, examine the impact of women groups’ on socio-economic empowerment of women in Malava Constituency, and fourth, identify the various challenges affecting the women groups. The study was guided by both Self-Efficacy and Social Exchange theories. The target population in this study consistent of 80 registered women groups in Malava constituency, from which a sample size of 140 respondents were selected using stratified sampling techniques. The study adopted descriptive survey design and considered both primary and secondary data. Questionnaires,indepth interviews, key informant interview schedule and focused group discussions (FGDs) formed the main instruments for collecting primary data. The study reviewed the previous evaluation reports to seek the secondary data on women groups. The primary data was analysed based on compilation of percentages, which led to analysis of relationships or differences. Pie charts, tables and graphs were used appropriately to present the data collected for ease of analysis and interpretation. Qualitative data was analysed using thematic analysis and presented in prose form in order to display the general data from the various groups of respondents. The study established that participation in women groups improved households’ income through loans, savings and table banking. The women use the extra income they get through women groups to purchase household assets, start small businesses, to provide basic household needs and to strengthen the table banking as well as savings. The women group members have also bought small plots for farming. Membership to Women Groups (WGs) has also made women to gain leadership skills, to become more independent minded, business oriented/ to be entrepreneurial; it has also enhanced the networking of women as a marketing strategy. In general, the women groups have helped to boost the economic status of various villages in Kakamega County by increasing the amount of money in the households and hence increased amount of money in circulation in the area. The main challenge facing the women groups is lack of or inadequate book keeping skills since most members only have basic education. The study therefore recommends that there is need to encourage more and more women to join and participate in groups and improve their table banking initiatives. It is also important to lower the loan interests to allow access by more women so that they can strengthen their investments and savings skills in order to increase their incomes. The study also suggests that women be equipped with business related skills so that they can save more and increase their capital base.