IMPACT OF GRAMEEN BANK MICRO-CREDIT PROGRAM TOW ARDS UPLIFTING THE SOCIO­ ECONOMIC CONDITION OF RURAL WOMEN BENEFICIARIES

Abstract

The focus of the study was to determine the impact of Gramecn Bank micro-credit program measured by computing change in income, change in food consumption, change in housing unit, change in toilet condition, change in drinking water source, change in family asset and change in decision-making ability of the women beneficiaries after their involvement with Grameen Bank micro-credit program. Attempts were also made to determine and describe some of the selected characteristics of the women beneficiaries and their relationships with the impact of Grameen Bank micro-credit program. The income, food consumption increased significantly after involvement with Grameen Bank. The average yearly income of the respondent's households increased to Tk. 33.32 thousands. from Tk 27.85 thousands. The average per capita daily calorie intake increased to 2319.08 K.Cal. from 2131.25 K.Cal. Nineteen (19) per cent of the beneficiaries were found to lie below under poverty line II (food consumption up to 1805 K. Cal.), but figure became of 10 per cent 'after involvement' with Grameen Bank micro-credit program. Seventy per cent of the beneficiaries had kacha ghar with straw roof type housing before involvement but the figure reduced to 32 after involvement. Fifty three (53) per cent of the respondents used to go to open places for toilet purpose 'before involvement' but 'after involvement' this figure turned to 24. Thirty seven (37) per cent respondent's families had own tube well for drinking water 'before involvement' but 'after involvement' with Grameen Bank micro-credit program 57 per cent beneficiaries' families used their own tube well for drinking water. Fifty (50) per cent beneficiaries were found to fall under the category of low asset possession 'before involvement' and that figure has decreased to 23 'after involvement' with Grameen Bank micro-credit program. Forty six percent respondents fell into low impact category where 47% and 7% of the respondents were found to be in medium impact and high impact category respectively. Age, farm size, credit received characteristics were found to have significant relationship at 1 % level of significance and attitude was significant relationship at 5% level of significance with the impact of Grameen Bank micro-credit program. Insufficient amount of credit as per demand ranked first as a problem faced by the beneficiaries.