Abstract:Background: Interventions with women’s groups are increasingly seen as an important strategy for advancing women’s empowerment, health, and economic outcomes in low- and middle-income countries, with the potential to increase the resiliency of members and their communities during widespread covariate shocks, such as coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Methods: This evidence synthesis compiles evidence from past shocks on women’s group activities and the extent to which women’s groups mitigate the effects of s… Show more
“…3). Recent studies (e.g., Christian et al, 2019;Desai et al, 2023;Walcott et al, 2023) demonstrate that Self-Help Groups (SHGs) have empowered members, especially women, in various challenging contexts, including climate change mitigation. However, the specific contributions of SHG participation to climate change mitigation and sustainable livelihoods remain underexplored.…”
Section: Introductionmentioning
confidence: 99%
“…In developing countries, the SHG model is increasingly employed to assist communities in coping with livelihood shocks, enhancing food security, and building social capital (Tol et al, 2020). SHGs typically consist of 15-20 members, often including the poorest community members, engaging in collective social and economic activities for empowerment (Walcott et al, 2023). These groups vary in objectives, functions, size, governance, and formal institutional linkages (Desai et al, 2023).…”
The impact of climate change in developing countries such as prolonged droughts, flooding and erratic rainfall, among other effects are increasingly driving agricultural-dependent households into deeper poverty each year. Addressing these challenges requires comprehensive adaptation and mitigation strategies, involving both local and global efforts. Self-help groups (SHGs) are recognized as powerful instruments for the empowerment of vulnerable groups, particularly women, by providing access to credit and health information. They also play a crucial role in climate change adaptation and mitigation, which in turn enhances sustainable livelihoods for their members. However, this aspect has received limited attention in academic research. This study explores the nexus between SHGs, climate change mitigation, and sustainable livelihoods in Nyakach Sub County, a region where persistent poverty is exacerbated by recurrent climate shocks. A descriptive research design was employed, involving a sample of 384 respondents selected from members of 630 self-help groups (SHGs) in Nyakach Sub County, Kenya. The study's findings show that SHG members benefit from SHGs facilitated capital assets some of which that have not only led to reduced reliance on firewood, thus mitigating deforestation, but also facilitated a transition to alternative energy sources. This shift has enhanced their adaptive capacity to challenges posed by climate change. Furthermore, a significant correlation (rs=0.659, p=0.014) was observed between SHG-associated resources and competencies in climate change mitigation, as well as household sustainability. Additionally, collective action, such as participation in tree planting and trenching/water channelling to combat flood effects, showed a strong correlation with SHG-associated resources. Overall, the study concludes that SHG-linked assets and competencies play a vital role in enhancing climate change adaptation and the sustainable livelihoods of members. The study recommends increased emphasis on strengthening social capital within SHGs.
“…3). Recent studies (e.g., Christian et al, 2019;Desai et al, 2023;Walcott et al, 2023) demonstrate that Self-Help Groups (SHGs) have empowered members, especially women, in various challenging contexts, including climate change mitigation. However, the specific contributions of SHG participation to climate change mitigation and sustainable livelihoods remain underexplored.…”
Section: Introductionmentioning
confidence: 99%
“…In developing countries, the SHG model is increasingly employed to assist communities in coping with livelihood shocks, enhancing food security, and building social capital (Tol et al, 2020). SHGs typically consist of 15-20 members, often including the poorest community members, engaging in collective social and economic activities for empowerment (Walcott et al, 2023). These groups vary in objectives, functions, size, governance, and formal institutional linkages (Desai et al, 2023).…”
The impact of climate change in developing countries such as prolonged droughts, flooding and erratic rainfall, among other effects are increasingly driving agricultural-dependent households into deeper poverty each year. Addressing these challenges requires comprehensive adaptation and mitigation strategies, involving both local and global efforts. Self-help groups (SHGs) are recognized as powerful instruments for the empowerment of vulnerable groups, particularly women, by providing access to credit and health information. They also play a crucial role in climate change adaptation and mitigation, which in turn enhances sustainable livelihoods for their members. However, this aspect has received limited attention in academic research. This study explores the nexus between SHGs, climate change mitigation, and sustainable livelihoods in Nyakach Sub County, a region where persistent poverty is exacerbated by recurrent climate shocks. A descriptive research design was employed, involving a sample of 384 respondents selected from members of 630 self-help groups (SHGs) in Nyakach Sub County, Kenya. The study's findings show that SHG members benefit from SHGs facilitated capital assets some of which that have not only led to reduced reliance on firewood, thus mitigating deforestation, but also facilitated a transition to alternative energy sources. This shift has enhanced their adaptive capacity to challenges posed by climate change. Furthermore, a significant correlation (rs=0.659, p=0.014) was observed between SHG-associated resources and competencies in climate change mitigation, as well as household sustainability. Additionally, collective action, such as participation in tree planting and trenching/water channelling to combat flood effects, showed a strong correlation with SHG-associated resources. Overall, the study concludes that SHG-linked assets and competencies play a vital role in enhancing climate change adaptation and the sustainable livelihoods of members. The study recommends increased emphasis on strengthening social capital within SHGs.
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