Role of Self Help Groups in sustainable agricultural development: a study in Karnataka

Saravana K
Research Scholar
Department of Studies and Research in Social Work
Tumkur University

Dr. Lokesha M.U

Assistant Professor
Department of Studies and Research in Social Work
Tumkur University

Abstract

Development of nation in a holistic mode is not achievable without empowerment of women.

Empowerment means increased spiritual, political, social, gender or economic strength of individuals and
communities. The role of women has been restricted to child rearing and maintenance having slightest
decision making authority. Women as a vulnerable section of society have smallest amount access to the
services established by the governments. Though, there are much legislation stating norms of equal rights
but women folk are given insufficient chances to get benefited due to restrictions compelled by them at
various stages of family, community and society. Under these situations, formalization of self-help groups
(SHGs) can prove a viable alternative to seek empowerment of women and of nation in the long run.
Formation of SHGs is a potent medium that can ensure the all-round development of women particularly
in rural areas. The impact of self-help groups is significant in terms of self-worth like confidence cum
capacity building by proving self-employment opportunities to meet the financial crisis. It also improves
the decision making capacity in terms of various social, political, economic, health and educational affairs
and mobilizes women to fight against various types of exploitations against them in family and society at
large and women can get rid of financial problems as this group gives them access to various agencies and
banks from which they can lend a loan to start their business or their work etc.

Self-help groups (SHGs) involved in various development activities have the possible to
empower their members through the provision of knowledge, skills, motivation, and competencies that
strengthen sustainable agriculture. This study efforts to recognize the effectiveness of self help group in
improving the improving the economic and social status of members in Karnataka, India. The analysis
revealed that, besides contributing toward economic development, these groups are important for social
networking. While social activities are more prominent among groups with members who are wealthier,
larger groups with more wealthy members mainly sought access to advanced technical information.
Group involvement helps to establish appropriate marketing relationships and to minimize input costs.
The results of the analysis indicate that both case study groups have the essential characteristics for
effective group operation and are working successfully.
 Introduction

In terms of level of economic development, quality of life, access to opportunities, facilities and
amenities, standard of living and general livability, the gap between the urban and rural areas in Nigeria
is very wide. This leads to what is appropriately characterized as the rural urban dichotomy. The rural
areas are usually grossly neglected as far as development projects and infrastructure are concerned. As
a result of the relative underdevelopment of the rural areas when compared with the urban centres,
rural areas are usually zones of high propensity for ourmigration. The challenges and prospects of rural
development in Nigeria have been of great concern to the different tiers of government due to the rate
of rural-urban migration. Onibokun (1987) sees rural development to be faced with the paradox that the
production oriented rural economy relies heavily on non-productive people who are ill-equipped with
outdated tools, technical information, scientific and cultural training and whose traditional roles and
acess to resources pose problems for their effective incorporation into modern economic systems,
whereas the consumption oriented urban economy is flooded with make (people) many of who are
either unemployed or unemployable, or marginally employed or underemployed in the urban centres
where they choose to live. As a result of this mass exodus, the rural areas have become qualitatively
depopulated and are progressively less attractive for social and economic investments while the urban
areas are becoming physically congested, socially unhealthy and generally uneconomic to maintain.

Self Help Group

Sustainable Agriculture

Self Help Group and Sustainable Agriculture Development

Rationale of the Study

Material and Method

Result and Discussion

Coclusion