An Exploratory Analysis of Self-help Groups: An Alternative Mode of Public Service Delivery in High Density Rural Areas in India?

• Author / Creator

  Brady, Nurmaiya K

• Self-help groups (SHGs) as a mode of community-based participatory development has been increasingly adopted within international development practice as a platform for broader community engagement. These voluntary, membership-based organizations of 10 to 20 women have been mobilized in developing regions to promote government programs and local development initiatives because of their perceived ability to empower participants in ways that externally implemented programs cannot. In India, SHGs have been actively utilized by various levels of government to promote rural microfinancing and microenterprise initiatives with the intent of improving economic empowerment, livelihood creation, and gender empowerment. The existing literature on SHGs is dominated by case studies focusing on the financial and economic outcomes of SHG activities, but little examination exists on the function of these groups in a service delivery function. This research explores the role of SHGs as an alternative mechanism for the delivery of public services, specifically in the context of high-density rural communities that suffer from service deficits and institutional constraints. It asks if SHGs can help bridge existing gaps in service delivery. What are the associated benefits and challenges surrounding this approach? The results of this study seek to contribute to the knowledge gap that exists on the service delivery role of SHGs while considering outcomes beyond traditional economic variables. To address this, a qualitative analysis was conducted with 172 SHG members, policy makers, and key informants through focus group and individual interviews in two high-density districts in the southern Indian state of Kerala. The findings support the functioning role of SHGs as an effective delivery mechanism for rural services and government poverty alleviation schemes within communities. Potential for exploitation and the emphasis on supply driven activities, however, should be addressed when scaling up service delivery activities.

• Subjects / Keywords

  • India
  • Participatory development
  • Rural development
  • Service delivery
  • Self-help groups

• Graduation date

  Spring 2017

• Type of Item

  Thesis

• Degree

  Master of Arts

• DOI

  https://doi.org/10.7939/R3W95110S

• License

  This thesis is made available by the University of Alberta Libraries with permission of the copyright owner solely for non-commercial purposes. This thesis, or any portion thereof, may not otherwise be copied or reproduced without the written consent of the copyright owner, except to the extent permitted by Canadian copyright law.