Characteristics Influencing Livelihood Security of Women Agripreneurs of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in Kerala

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between personal and socio-psychological characteristics influencing livelihood security of women agripreneurs of self help groups (SHGs) in Kerala and to get suggestions for improving the livelihood security. The study was carried out in three districts of Kerala namely, Thiruvananthapuram, Palakkad, and Malappuram. Eighteen viable women SHGs were selected from the three districts and from each SHGs, five women were randomly selected forming a sample size of 90. Study revealed a positive and significant correlation with the personal and socio-psychological characters like annual income, saving propensity, interdependence and networking, credit orientation, level of aspiration, management orientation, adherence to group norms, and group leadership. Age was observed to have a negative correlation with livelihood security. Indebtedness, enterprise diversification and group cohesion showed no significant relationship with livelihood security. The major suggestions proposed for improving the livelihood security of members of women SHGs were to conduct capacity building programmes for the women to enhance entrepreneurship behaviour and to impart specific skill improvement programmes.