Case Study

Performance Analysis of Fisherwomen Self Help Groups in Tamil Nadu

Examining the impact of microfinance on fisherwomen's lives in India
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This study analyzes performance of fisherwomen self-help groups (SHGs) in Tamil Nadu, India. It examines data collected from 725 fisherwomen SHG members, from 41 SHGs in five coastal villages during May-October 2004.

The study found that fisherwomen SHGs were performing well in availing and repaying microcredit. Findings include:

  • SHGs on an average comprised of 17 members;
  • About 86 percent of the fisherwomen SHG members participated in banking activities for microcredit utilization and 75% were equal partners in family decision making;
  • Banks charged an interest rate of 9-12% for microcredit extended to fisherwomen SHGs;
  • Almost all SHGs reported 100% repayment;
  • Members used internal loans and bank credit for various purposes such as improvement of occupation, repayment of old debts, and house construction and alteration;
  • About 63% of fisherwomen SHGs members participated in Panchayat Raj Institution activities, impacting their social empowerment.

The study concludes that microfinance had contributed to the overall socio-economic empowerment of the fisherwomen, apart from improving their livelihood conditions and providing banks an opportunity to serve the unreached coastal poor, profitably.

About this Publication

By Jayaraman, R.
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