FACTORS INFLUENCING WOMEN PARTICIPATION IN SAVING MOBILIZATION SCHEME IN BENUE STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

The study determines factors influencing women participation in saving mobilization scheme (SMS) in Benue State, Nigeria. A sample size of 137 women were selected from the State using four-stage sampling techniques. Structured questionnaire complimented with interview scheduled were used for data collection. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (means, percentages and frequency counts), Livelihood Status Index (LSI) and Ordinary Least Square regression. The result revealed that rural women participated commonly in saving money through esusu (X ̅ = 3.60, weekly thrift contribution (X ̅ = 3.45) as well as production and marketing cooperative (X̅= 3.14). The findings also revealed that 52.6% of the respondents had high livelihood status during participation in SMS. The coefficient of age (0.050444), marital status (0.57432), household size (0.073597), years in education (-0.9544), membership of cooperative (0.432058) and access to credit (-0.08612) had significant influence on women level of participation in SMS. The study concluded that more than half of the respondents had high livelihood status during SMS. Also, the coefficient of age, marital status, household size, years of education, member cooperative and access to credit have influence on women level of participation in SMS in the study area. It was recommended that women should diversify in other sustainable income generating activities in order to enhance their livelihood status. Also, women should source for credit from viable and credible institution to ensure sustainable livelihood.