THE IMPACT OF MICROFINANCE PROGRAMME UNDER IFAD PROJECT ON POVERTY ERADICATION OF TRIBAL WOMEN IN UKHRUL DISTRICT OF MANIPUR

Abstract

A joint venture project of International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and Government of India was launched in Ukhrul District of Manipur in February 1998. Among various components of the upland area development, microfinance programme was incorporated for rural poverty alleviation. The Ukhrul Community Resource Management Society (URMS) took up activity on formation of SHGs and 654 SHGs were set up in 103 villages. Required microcredit linkage was made with UBI, Ukhrul bank and NIM. To examine the impact of microfinance programme under IFAD sponsored project an empirical study has been carried out. 200 sample units (SHG- Members) have been selected through multistage stratified random sampling method. Poverty Eradication Index (PEI) is employed for measurement of extent of poverty eradication. Employment generation and income generation are taken as causal factors. Consumption pattern, knowledge & skill level, and health care are taken as impact factors. The value of PEI indicates that 47.61% of the SHG members have crossed poverty line during last two decades and 48.5%of them are enabled to construct their own houses. On the whole, an effective socio- economic change of tribal women has been assured during the span of two decades. Nevertheless, better pace of achievement is called for. KEY WORKS: Microfinance, Self-Help Group, Employment Generation, Income Generation, Poverty Evaluation Index and Asset Creation