Evaluation of the Influence of Self-Help Group Practices on Livelihoods of Small-Scale Farmers in Teso North Sub County, Busia County, Kenya

Abstract

SHGs contribute to poverty alleviation and improve the livelihoods of their members. Based on this background, the study sought to examine the influence of SHG practices such as capital generation and M&E on the livelihood development of small-scale farmers. This paper explores the role of group savings as capital generation practices on the livelihood development of small-scale farmers and the contribution of regular monitoring and evaluation of SHGs on the livelihood development of small-scale farmers in Teso North. A quantitative descriptive research design was utilized to guide the study. Small scale farmers registered members of SHGs were the population of interest. A stratified random sampling technique was applied to select a representative sample of 300 participants. Both survey questionnaires and interviews were used to collect data from study participants. The analysis of data was done using SPSS version 21 to generate descriptive and inferential statistics. The results suggested that capital generation and M&E practices were significantly correlated with the livelihood development of small-scale farmers. The study results have fundamental lessons for policymakers in the field of agriculture and livelihood development. This calls for the government to legislate financial policies that reduce the cost of lending to small scale farmers to increase their access to capital. The study noted close monitoring and evaluation of SHG projects and activities are critical for their success. As such, training of SHG leaders on M&E is key to ensure project success to livelihood development. It was evident that self-help groups are key avenues in improving the livelihood of small-scale farmers. Therefore, the study suggested that small-scale farmers should join SHGs to gain from SHG practices for livelihood development.