INFLUENCING FACTORS AND SUSTAINABILITY OF WOMEN GROUPS INCOME GENERATING PROJECTS IN RUMBEK, SOUTH SUDAN

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study analysed the sustainability of women income generating projects in Rumbek, South Sudan. The objectives that guided the study were to: determine the socio-cultural factors affecting sustainability of women income generating projects; establish the economic factors affecting sustainability of women income generating projects; analyse the political factors affecting sustainability of women income generating projects; and examine the geo-environmental factors affecting sustainability of women income generating projects in Rumbek, South Sudan. The study is anchored on two theories namely the Empowerment Theory and Theory of Change. The study adopted a descriptive research design, which involved the collection of data from women groups in Rumbek, South Sudan, using both qualitative and quantitative approaches. The study targeted a 150-women group income generating projects and 36 key informants (MFIs, NGOs representatives and the local government officials). From this, a total of 108 respondents from women group income generating groups was used as sample. However, only 84 returned the questionnaire while 28 key informants participated in interviews. Data were collected using questionnaires and an interview guide. Results revealed that majority of the participants mentioned that there are cultural norms and expectations; that women prioritize domestic and care-giving responsibilities over paid work; and they face challenges such as limited access to education, training, and credit. Economic factors showed that majority of respondents mentioned that microfinance institutions provide small loans and other financial services to individuals who lack access to traditional banking services. Political factors revealed that since 2017, the political situation in Rumbek has been unstable hence majority of respondents mentioned that recurrent political instability scares women from engaging in income generating projects. On the geoenvironmental factors such as extreme weather conditions and limited access to transportation and communication infrastructure have a significant impact on the sustainability of women's incomegenerating projects. The study concluded that there are significant challenges faced by women in Rumbek; and the crucial role that education and training can play in empowering women to break the cycle of poverty and become financially independent. On the first objective, the study recommends that the government and NGOs should promote women education and training that specifically focus on financial management, marketing and entrepreneurship. On the second objective, the study recommends that microfinance institutions and banks should increase access to affordable financing options for women entrepreneurs through microfinance institutions. On the third objective, the study recommends that regulators should encourage the government to review and adjust laws and regulations that pose challenges for women involved in income-generating projects. Finally, on the forth objective, the study suggested that government and stakeholders should encourage the use of technologies and innovations that can help women entrepreneurs adapt to extreme weather conditions such as floods and droughts.