A Field-Based Study on Self-Help Groups in Tanuku Mandal of West Godavari District of Andhra Pradesh, India

Based on a field visit, this study reveals that if rural women under the umbrella of Self-help Groups (SHGs henceforth SHG will be used) are appropriately guided and supported with backward and forward linkages, they will earn income, whatever their qualification.The study was conducted at Velpur village Panchayat, Tanuku Mandal of West Godavari District of Andhra Pradesh on March 23, 2025. The study was conducted among five women of different Self Help Groups (SHGs). The primary methodology of the survey was PRA, which earlier was known as Participatory Rural Appraisal, now popularly known as PRA. Both Group Discussion and Focus Group Discussion were conducted as part of PRA. For the Focus Group Discussion, the interview method was used. Five members of four different SHGs were interviewed to understand income generation activities. Since the interview was conducted in the presence of other members of SHGs and government officials, it can be assumed that the information they provided was authentic.