Authors: Ramesha K
Abstract: Microcredit has emerged as one of the most effective instruments for promoting employment, income generation, and economic empowerment among rural women in Karnataka. The Self Help Group (SHG) model has played a significant role in delivering microcredit to economically weaker sections, particularly women, who often lack access to formal financial systems. In rural districts such as Chamarajanagar, where livelihoods are largely dependent on agriculture, livestock rearing, wage labour, and informal sector activities, microcredit has created opportunities for self-employment and income diversification. This study examines the impact of microcredit on employment activities among SHG members in Chamarajanagar district. It highlights how access to credit has enabled women to sustain and expand existing livelihood activities, as well as initiate new microenterprises. The study also reveals that microcredit has contributed to increased savings behaviour, reduced dependence on informal moneylenders, and improved household economic stability. However, challenges such as small loan size, repayment pressure, lack of business skills, and weak market linkages continue to affect the overall effectiveness of microcredit. The article argues that while microcredit is a powerful tool for employment promotion, its success depends on complementary support such as training, enterprise development, and market integration. Strengthening these aspects can significantly enhance the role of microcredit in promoting sustainable livelihoods and women’s empowerment in rural Karnataka.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20109093
