G. SHARON MOSES*, S. UJWALA RANI, P. NAGI REDDY AND G. MOHAN NAIDU

Institute of Agribusiness Management, ANGRAU-S.V. Agricultural College,Tirupati-517 502.

ABSTRACT

This study investigates the factors that influence tribal women participation in Van Dhan Vikas Kendras (VDVKs) in Alluri Sitarama Raju district, Andhra Pradesh. A primary survey was conducted in the ASR district with a sample size of 160 members, comprising 80 VDVK beneficiaries and 80 non-beneficiaries. Binary logit regression analysis was used to examine the socio-economic characteristics of sample SHG women. The analysis revealed that awareness, extension services and distance to VDVK centre showed a positive influence on tribal women beneficiaries to participate, while age has shown a significantly negative impact on women’s participation at 1% level of significance. The female-headed families showed a significantly positive impact on women’s participation at 5% level of significance. The findings also recorded that women engaged in VDVKs have improved income, skills and empowerment over the years. Therefore, the socio-economic characteristics enhance SHG participation and the overall effectiveness of the VDVK model.

KEYWORDS: Binary logistic regression, self-help group, tribal women, van dhan vikas kendras.