Poverty Alleviation Through Capacity Building by the Self-Help Groups: A Study in Kapiri Mposhi District of Zambia

Abstract

This study aims to know the impact of the Self-help Groups (SHGs) on poverty alleviation through capacity development of its members. The study was conducted in Kapiri Mposhi district of the Central Province in Zambia. Ten SHGs and 320 members were selected randomly. The study used six indicators of capacity development of the members of SHGs, that is, human capital – education and training; natural capital purchase of land, irrigation and soil fertility development; physical capital purchase of equipment, livestock; fnancial capital – savings; local specifc development – access to infrastructure, public services; and social capital participation in any organization, ability to represent social problems. The study concluded that the impact of SHGs on poverty alleviation through capacity development was positive. In all, 44.37% members of SHGs could increase their income above the poverty line through capacity development. The study suggested for the provision of marketing and credit facilities to increase the income of SHGs and to increase the capacity of members to alleviate poverty.