IMPACT OF SHAKTI FOUNDATION'S MICRO-CREDIT ON WOMEN DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

The focus of the study was to determine the impact of Shakti Foundation's microcredit 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 Shakti Foundation's micro-credit program. Attempts were also made to determine and describe some 01' the selected characteristics of the women beneficiaries and their relationships with the impact of Shakti Foundation's micro-credit program. The income, food consumption family asset increased significantly after involvement with Shakti Foundation. The average yearly income of the respondent's households increased to Tk. 35.47 Thousand. from Th 29.19 thousands. The average per capita daily calorie intake increased to 2641.05 K.Cal. from 2357.39 K.Cal. Twenty three (23) per cent of the beneficiaries were found to live below under poverty line (food consumption up to 1805 K. Cal.), but figure became of 9 per cent 'after involvement' with Shakti Foundation's micro-credit program. Sixty three (63) per cent of the beneficiaries had kasha ghar with straw roof type housing before involvement but the figure reduced to 29 after involvement. Forty eight (48) per cent of the respondents used to go to open places for toilet purpose 'before involvement' but 'after involvement' this figure turned to 21. Thirty one (31) per cent respondent's families had own tube well for drinking water 'before involvement' but 'after involvement' with Shakti Foundation's microcredit program 61 per cent beneficiaries' families used their own tube well for drinking water. Fifty five (55)

per cent beneficiaries were found to fall under the category of low asset possession 'before involvement' and that figure has decreased to 22 'after involvement' with Shakti Foundation's micro-credit program. Fifty four respondents fell into medium impact category where 27% and 19% of the respondents were found to be in low impact and high impact category respectively. Farm size, credit received, duration of involvement with Shakti Foundation's micro-credit program characteristics were found to have significant relationship at 1% level of significance education and attitude was significant relationship at 5% level of significance with the impact of Shakti Foundation's micro-credit program. Credit is not available in the time of need ranked first as a problem faced by the beneficiaries.