Vipinkumar, V P and Asokan, P K and Mohamed, K S and Kripa, V and Sasikumar, Geetha and Vidya, R and Athira, P V (2015) Gender perspective and effectiveness of group dynamics in women empowerment: a study on Self help group initiative in mussel farming along the Malabar Coast, Southern India. Discovery, 49 (226). pp. 1-27. ISSN 2278–5450
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Abstract
Mussel culture proved as one of the profitable ventures in marine fisheries sector of Kerala, successfully undertaken by women’s Self Help Groups (SHGs). The practical dissemination of bivalve farming technologies in the potential maritime locations in Malabar coasts was undertaken in Kadalundy of Vallikkunnu grampanchayat in Malappuram district of northern Kerala by training 62 women fisherfolk under Community Development Scheme (CDS) of Kudumbasree District Mission. These women were mobilised into 11 SHGs comprising 60 members with a provision of a distinct loan amount and 40 % subsidy with a reasonable nominal amount as beneficiary contribution in each SHG. The members possess the joint responsibility through a strong internal amendment with a firm base of interpersonal trust. Assessment of the Group Dynamics Effectiveness of the SHGs was attempted by interviewing the members with standardized protocols developed and the groups with substantial effectiveness score were identified. A breakthrough harvest results were noticed in the SHGs due to the high market demand of mussel up to 5 Rs per piece and Rs 250 per kg of meat. The computation of harvest particulars, economic analysis, estimation of socio-psychological characteristics and yield dynamics were undertaken in the SHGs and brought out a BC ratio of 3.5:1 on an average. The influence of personal and socio-psychological characteristics of SHG members on Group Effectiveness also was assessed along with gender perspectives on decision making aspects and gender need analysis in mussel culture. The harvest results of mussel farming by the women SHGs had great expectations on SHG enterprise as a major means of poverty alleviation as each SHG in turn ensures economic sustainability of 5 families. The local availability of green mussel and local self sufficiency of edible mussel products of diversified uses with low cost of production and moderate selling rate make satisfied customers in turn attracting consumers of other states to the enterprise. Ultimately through gender mainstreaming and women empowerment and socio-economic upliftment through the mobilised women SHG, the local economic development of Vallikkunnu gets improved which in turn leads to radical development of fishers of Kerala state in a broader sense. Success cases of SHG mobilization were elucidated and documented which could be used as case models for promoting group action of SHGs on a sustainable basis.
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