Self Help Groups and Diversification of  Livelihoods: A Study Among Scheduled  Castes in Andhra Pradesh

Dr N. Padmaja; Prof P. Sudhakara Reddy (Rtd)

Volume : III, Issue : III, March - 2014

Self Help Groups and Diversification of Livelihoods: A Study Among Scheduled Castes in Andhra Pradesh

Dr N. Padmaja, Prof P. Sudhakara Reddy Rtd

Abstract :

Micro–enterprises are the keys to generate employment opportunities as well as income earning avenues to both landless, women and landholding people. Therefore, the poverty alleviation in semi–arid regions requires a greater understanding of the interactions of agriculture and allied enterprises and their implications for the household economy. In the paper an attempt has been made to analyze the process of livelihood diversification through women self–help groups. The present study was conducted in three districts viz Chittoor, Mahaboobnagar, and Vizianagaram of Andhra Pradesh. The assets created after joining the SHGs is because of increase in their livelihoods patterns. The amount taken as loan was spent on multiple items like food, education, health, housing, ornaments and income generation activities.