Case Study
Performance Analysis of Fisherwomen Self Help Groups in Tamil Nadu
Examining the impact of microfinance on fisherwomen's lives in India
This study analyzes performance of fisherwomen self-help groups (SHGs) in Tamil Nadu, India. It examines data collected from 725 fisherwomen SHG members, from 41 SHGs in five coastal villages during May-October 2004.
The study found that fisherwomen SHGs were performing well in availing and repaying microcredit. Findings include:
- SHGs on an average comprised of 17 members;
- About 86 percent of the fisherwomen SHG members participated in banking activities for microcredit utilization and 75% were equal partners in family decision making;
- Banks charged an interest rate of 9-12% for microcredit extended to fisherwomen SHGs;
- Almost all SHGs reported 100% repayment;
- Members used internal loans and bank credit for various purposes such as improvement of occupation, repayment of old debts, and house construction and alteration;
- About 63% of fisherwomen SHGs members participated in Panchayat Raj Institution activities, impacting their social empowerment.
The study concludes that microfinance had contributed to the overall socio-economic empowerment of the fisherwomen, apart from improving their livelihood conditions and providing banks an opportunity to serve the unreached coastal poor, profitably.
