Assessment of Beneficiaries’ Impact of Caritas Self Help Group Project: a Case Study of Caritas Gicharani Self Help Group, Kikuyu Kiambu County

Abstract

The general objective of the study was to assess impacts of Caritas Gicharani self-help group on the beneficiary community. Specifically, the study sought to assess whether the project beneficiaries generally perceived their livelihood as having changed and to assess perceptions of the beneficiaries towards community based Savings and credit co-operatives and the challenges experienced. Data was collected through focus group discussion and in-depth interviews. The study design was a case study with a participatory research approach and adopted the most significant change methodology while the study respondents were selected through convenient sampling method. Data analysis was done through content analysis by a panel of five members and aligned to three key domains of change which are in sync with the three objectives of the study. The study revealed that the project has indeed boosted the livelihood of the beneficiaries, enhanced saving culture and helped community members regain confidence with savings and credit co-operatives. Other unexpected outcomes which emerged as significant changes includes increase in self-confidence, community acceptance resulting from individual change, ability and freedom to make more informed financial decisions. The study recommends expansion of group membership base through extensive marketing to extend the positive outcomes to more beneficiaries.