The Role of Social Networks in Poverty Alleviation in Nyando District, Kenya
Journal Title: Scholars Journal of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences - Year 2017, Vol 5, Issue 4
Abstract
Abstract: One of the most important paradigm shifts in poverty interventions has been a renewed interest in social networks as an important variable in sustainable rural economic development. There are very few studies that have focused on the role of social network or other forms of social capital on rural income diversification and rural poverty in rural areas of Kenya. The objective of this study was to establish role of social networks in poverty alleviation in Nyando District. A Cross-sectional research design involving use of both systematic random sampling and purposive sampling was adopted. Primary data was obtained using structured questionnaires to interview a minimum of 250 household heads from two divisions of Nyando district. The results indicated that 61.6% of the household heads belonged to social networks. In addition, the results indicate that membership to social networks varied markedly in Muhoroni and Nyando Divisions of Nyando District with, 55% and 66% respectively. Further, 43% of the respondents belonged to producer’s organizations, 21% to agricultural cooperatives 9.8% savings and credit organizations 27% to community welfare organizations and 15% belonging to women groups and rotating saving and credit organizations respectively. Several reason were given by respondents for belonging to social networks including satisfaction of individual needs 4.8 % individual wellbeing 13.3 %. To improve agricultural production 10% and to receive funds. A Pearson product moment correlation (r) was employed to determine the significance of the relationship between membership to social networks and rural poverty in Nyando District. The results (r = 0.241) indicated a significant relationship between membership to social networks and rural poverty in Nyando District. The study concluded that though social networks may play an important role in poverty alleviation, vast majority of these social groups are not used for income generation or investment in the agricultural sector, which is the predominant source of livelihood for most households. Keywords: Social Networks, Social Capital, Rural Poverty, Nyando, Muhoroni.
Authors and Affiliations
Ms. Nelly Juma, Prof. Francis Wegulo, Dr. Joseph Otieno
Keywords
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