Beneficiary Perceptions of Women NGO activities in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria.

Abstract

The study attempted to document beneficiaries' perceptions on Women NGO (WNGOs) activities in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. The specific objectives of the study included: an assessment of beneficiaries' perceptions on factors influencing their participation in WNGOs activities, WNGOs contributions to improvements' in beneficiaries' socio-economic activities and constraints affecting beneficiaries' participation in WNGOs activities. A sample size of 120 respondents from 24 Local Women Groups (LWGs), which are affiliated to three active WNGOs in the study area, were utilized for the study. Findings revealed that rural women will participate in the activities of recognized, viable WNGOs, that are managed by a responsive leadership structure and are involved in activities that satisfy their felt needs. WNGOs were revealed to affect beneficiaries' socio-economic statuses through increased income generation, health awareness and acquisition of food processing skills. Constraints affecting beneficiaries' participation in WNGOs activities include: inadequate credit facilities, and poor utilization of credit advances, resulting in poor loan repayment levels. It is believed that WNGOs are capable of more effective inputs into human and community development activities. Recommendations are proffered in this respect

Gender and Behaviour Vol. 5 (2) 2007: pp. 1360-1375