ASSESSMENT OF THE MANAGEMENT PRACTICES OF MICRO FINANCE FOR WOMEN’S GROUPS

ABSTRACT

Over the years, NGOs have emerged as a key player in the field of microcredit. They have played the role of intermediary in starting and participating in micro-credit programmes by creating awareness of the importance of microcredit within the community. They have also created opportunities to learn about the principles and practices of microcredit. One of such NGOs is Plan Ghana, which has since 2005 been promoting access to credit among women’s groups in the Sissala West District through village savings and loan associations. The study assessed the management practices of micro finance to women’s groups. A sample size of 20 was used and data were collected through structured interviews and questionnaires. The study revealed that members had knowledge on the leadership responsibilities and participation in decision making was high. Furthermore, the perceptions of people about the management practices revealed that village savings and loans can motivate, support and empower women. Therefore, Government agencies, District Assemblies and other NGOs thataim at reducing the incidence of poverty among women should support village savings loans Associations in the communities. Lastly, Sustainability of the Associations depends on performance of the Executivesand members. Therefore, learning by experience, group discussions, “role model” and evaluation of activities at the end of every cycle or share-out are necessary for the Associations.