A Study on the Socio-Economic Status of the Fishery-Based Self-Help Groups in Jagatsinghpur, Odisha, India

Abstract

The study was conducted in Jagatsinghpur district of Odisha State on the status and performance of women’s Self-Help Groups in the fisheries sector. Two blocks i.e., Jagatsinghpur Sadar and Earsama, block were selected for the study. A survey and group discussions were conducted to interview 150 respondents from two Self Help Groups (SHGs) each. Despite the fact that majority of the women being illiterate, participation in Self Help Groups had a significant impact on their empowerment (30.85%). The effectiveness of each SHG’s Group Dynamics was measured using a 12-sub-dimension index called the Group Dynamics Effectiveness Index (GDEI), which included participation, influence and styles of influence, decision-making procedures, task functions, maintenance functions, group atmosphere, membership, feelings, norms, empathy, interpersonal trust, and SHG accomplishments. Therefore, it has been determined that the women’s SHGs in the study area have a greater influence and benefit their members socially and economically which indicates that the fisherwomen SHGs are doing well in exploring and repaying microloan