Articles
| Open Access |
DOI: Informal Self-Help Financial Groups and Micro-enterprise Development in Tivland, Benue State Nigeria
James T. Aan , Department of Sociology, Benue State University Makurdi Vershima G. Famave , Department of Sociology, Benue State University MakurdAbstract
Tivland is not developed. About 70% of 3.9 million population in Tivland are
small-holder farmers and micro-entrepreneurs who are funded by informal self-help
financial groups (ISHFGs), which are not supported by external funding. Using in-depth
interviews and participant observation methods, the study sought to identify the major
types of ISHFGs in Tivland, how they generate funds, how they are sustained, their role in
micro-enterprise development, and their challenges. The study revealed that there are three
major types of ISHFGs in Tivland. They generate funds through savings deposits and
interests on loans. They are sustained by group trust/cohesion. They have created easy
access to micro-credit, and have empowered members for in income generating activities.
Their major challenges are limited funds, bad leadership, no networks and external funding.
The study concludes that ISHFGs in Tivland need networks for external funding,
management/leadership trainings and close monitoring and evaluation of their operations.
Keywords
Benue State,, Development
References
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