Institute for Development Studies, University of Nairobi

This paper is based primarily on research carried out as part of the Second Overall Evaluation of the Special Rural Development Programme conducted by the Institute for Development Studies in 1975. The paper begins with a general description and evaluation of the Women's Group Programme and then presents case studies of the six S.R.D.P. areas: Kapenguria, Kwale, Mbere, Migori/Kuria, Tetu and Vihiga/Hamisi. Eor each area, a brief description is given of the women who attended the leaders training courses offered as part of the Programme. The courses themselves are also described. Membership figures are given for the women's groups in the six areas, as well as brief accounts of group activities and plans. Finally, the role of local government officers is described - the frequency of contacts, the specific offices and ministries involved, and the nature of the assistance given. In general, the Women's Group Programme i s found to be a successful effort in the field of rural development which should be continued and expanded. A number of recommendations are made for improvement, both of the Programme in general and in specific S.R.D.P. areas. The broad participation and increased cooperation of a number of ministries and other agencies is recommended, both at the national level and in the field. It is also suggested that the objectives and curricula of the courses for women's leaders be brought more sharply into focus. Emphasis should also be placed on new approaches to income generation for women's groups, in addition to the traditional focus on family welfare and handicrafts. (I The general section of this paper appeared as Chapter Fifteen of I.D.S. Occasional Paper No. 12, and the case studies first appeared as I.D.S. Working Papers Nos. 231 - 236.