IMPACT OF AGRICULTURAL GROWTH PROGRAM ON INCOME AND SAVING OF WOMEN COMMON INTEREST GROUP MEMBERS HOUSEHOLD: THE CASE OF MALGA DISTRICT, SOUTHERN ETHIOPIA

This thesis examines the impact of Agricultural Growth Program (AGP) on income and saving of Women Common Interest Group (CIG) member in Southern Ethiopia particularly in Malga district. The study is based on cross-sectional survey data collected from a total of 317 households whereby 135 were from program beneficiaries and 184 were from non-beneficiaries. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected from primary and secondary sources. In this study, a semi-structured questionnaire, focus group discussion, and in-depth interview were held to collect primary data. The data collected were analyzed using a number of descriptive and econometric tools. The results of the PSM method suggest that AGP women CIG intervention has a positive impact on improving rural household income and saving. The result of the logistic regression model reveals that the education status of the group member, total family size of the group member, access to market, distance of extension service provision office and access to credit service influences the participation of women on the program. All variables found to have a positive and significant relationship with the program participation. Thus, it is better if the government and concerned body made their attention towards improving rural women agricultural production and productivity.