SHG: A Reliable Expedient of Tribal Women Farmers for Micro Financing and Empowerment in Gujarat

Microfinance holds a big promise to generate income and employment and alleviate poverty in developing countries. This study is based on primary data collected for the period 2015–16 from 120 respondents (60 SHGmembers and 60 SHG non-members) from 10 villages of Garbada and Dahod talukas from Dahod district of Gujarat. The results have revealed that the SHG members had maximum income from agriculture (32.25%), followed by livestock (31.49%) and through SHG (12.88%). The SHG members earned additional income of 8375 (12.88% of total income) by participating in SHGs. In the case of employment, the average agriculture sector provided higher employment (88.31-man-days per annum) in case of SHG members as against 75.83 man-days per annum in SHG non-members. The study has clearly shown a significant positive impact on income and employment generation through Self-Help Groups. The SHG members had better repayment capacity than non-members due to better income. The various ratios calculated for SHGs have shown a sound financial status of SHGs and should be promoted widely.