Mainstreaming gender issues in poverty alleviation interventions: a case study of Missungwi income and food security project in Missungwi district, Mwanza
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Date
2004
Authors
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Journal ISSN
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Publisher
Sokoine University of Agriculture
Abstract
This study presents mainstreaming gender issues in poverty alleviation interventions. The
interventions by Cooperation Assistance Relief Everywhere in Tanzania (CARE (T)). The
specific objectives were to examine if CARE (T) mainstreams gender issues in it’s poverty
alleviation interventions, to identify factors influencing participation of women and men
in CARE (T) supported poverty alleviation activities, to compare the levels of women and
men participation in CARE (T) supported activities for poverty alleviation and to
determine the well-being of project members contributed by Missungwi Income and Food
Security project in Missungwi District. A cross sectional research design was used to
collect data using structured questionnaires administered to both project and non-project
members. A representative sample of 114 respondents was drawn from the sampling
frame. The data collected was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science
(SPSS) computer software. Study results reveal that MIFOSE project was the major
contributor to the improvement of members and their families’ well being. Some of the
contributions by MIFOSE project include improved income of the members through
savings mobilization and credit delivery and more awareness and knowledge towards
development issues. Further more, the results show that MIFOSE project involved both
women and men in poverty alleviation initiatives mainly through savings mobilization and
credit delivery, training on improved fanning and on selection, planning and management
of small businesses. Participation of women and men in project activities was significantly
who were involved in poverty alleviation initiatives participated at all levels but the
participation of women was very minimal. Based on the cunent study the following
associated with their awareness in poverty, income and food security. Men and women
overall objective was to assess gcndcr-mainstrcaming issues in poverty alleviation
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conclusion and recommendations were made; MIFOSE project mainstreamed gender in
it’s interventions by involving both women and men but the participation of women in
decision making, planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of project
activities was very minimal. It is recommended that the MIFOSE project should adopt
designing/planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of poverty alleviation
initiatives. The project should ensure full and equal involvement of both men and women
in relevant training. The training should be backed up with confidence and self-awareness
building. MIFOSE project and other rural development agencies should assist rural people
to secure capital or loans to enable them to join the project. One way of doing this can be
by offering credits with substantial reduction of collateral needs, low interest levels and
soft repayment terms.
Description
Master Thesis
Keywords
Gender issues, Poverty alleviation, Food security, Missungwi district