Influence of Self-help Groups on Rural Women's Decision-making in Agricultural Activities, Food Consumption Pattern and Allocation of Household Income and Nutritional Security

This study was conducted in Sonebarsa block of Saharsa district in Bihar, to find the influence of self-help groups on rural women's decision-making in farm activities, food consumption pattern and allocation of household income as well as loan utilization pattern. The study is based on the primary data collected from 100 rural women respondents from two villages in the year 2015–16. The study has revealed that the majority of respondents (52%) were young women in the age group of 20–35 years. Most of literate women (41%) in the sample participated in farm activities and played a crucial role in the allocation of household income and consumption pattern for the family. The most striking feature of this study was that woman respondents after becoming the SHG member had taken mostly joint decisions in almost every area of agriculture activities. The study has suggested to take steps for empowering SHG women-members by providing latest package of farming practices and skill development. Also, women farmers should be motivated to participate in on-farm decisions. In addition, the study has also observed that SHGs have more impact on farm women with respect to loan borrowing, repayment, loan utilization, consumption pattern and allocation of income, and consequent nutritional security.