RURAL WOMEN FARMERS’ ASSESSMENT OF CREDIT ORIENTEDSELF-HELP GROUPS IN DELTA STATE, NIGERIA

This study was conducted to analyze the perception of the ruralwoman about credit oriented self-help group in Delta State, Nigeria. A sample sizeof 110 respondents was used for the study and data were collected from them withthe use of structured interview schedule and questionnaires. Data were analyzedusing descriptive statistics and linear regression equation model as the leadequation. It was revealed that the women farmers subscribed to self-help groups inorder to be able to have access to credit (mean = 3.78), information (mean = 3.55),extension services (mean = 3.45). The respondents were satisfied with theirrespective self-help groups. However, they had some challenges such as inadequateaccess to extension services (mean = 3.55) and lack of commitment by the leaders(mean = 3.22) and members (mean = 3.19). Educational level and frequency ofextension contact of the respondents were found to influence their perception onself-help groups at 5% level of significance. It is recommended that governmentaland non-governmental organizations, and university agricultural extensiondepartments should carry out a campaign on workshops for these groups oncommitment and extension agencies should diversify their focus to include selfhelpgroups and activities.