Micro-Enterprises Through Women SHGs: A Case Study in Ajmer (Rajasthan)

Abstract

Planning and management of rural non-farm (RNF) activities taken up through women SHGs organised by all women dairy cooperative societies (WDCSs) in Ajmer district is analysed in this paper. Ajmer milk union has 127 WDCSs which promoted 385 SHGs of which 23% have taken up various kinds of RNF activities with a total membership of 1515. These SHGs have a savings of Rs. 76.61 lakhs. Average age of respondents is around 30 with 3 children and two years of formal education. Of the total income, non-farm activities contributed 8% while 22% by dairying. In majority of the cases, women took up non-farm activity on their own initiative without external pressures. 1/3rd of the women wanted to be successful leaders and hence joined RNF activities. Non-farm activities provided employment for about 100 days/respondent. Though, average wage rate realised/day is low, it is considered as additional source of income. Further, RNF activities have been contributing to overall development of women. Women marketed products directly to individuals, local markets, hostels, cooperatives, and government organizations. Social taboos and communication skills found to be major problems in marketing. Women have direct control on earnings and additional earnings increased their self-esteem, and social status. Further, mobility, inter-personal relationships, and participation in decision making improved considerably. On the whole, impact of RNF activities on the women is favourable and satisfactory. Seed money, appropriate training in relevant activities, information network on sources of inputs, technology, markets, linking with market or arranging buy back systems, inculcating concept of quality, adult education, kindling entrepreneurial spirit, gender sensitization, communication skills, etc. would go a long way in improving the overall development of women in the study area. Further, decentralisation of activities, and centralization of marketing help realizing better returns to the women. There should synergy between micro-enterprise and micro-credit for sustainability and equity.