African Water Resources Management (Environmental/Earth Science) | 09 March 2009
Women's Empowerment through Agribusiness Ownership in Coastal Karnataka: A Business Growth Study in Tanzania
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Abstract
The study examines women's empowerment through agribusiness ownership in the coastal Karnataka region of India and its parallels with a similar scenario in Tanzania. The study uses qualitative research methods to collect data from interviews and focus groups conducted with women entrepreneurs in both regions. Women in both coastal areas reported significant challenges such as limited access to credit and markets, but also showed a strong entrepreneurial spirit and innovative solutions to overcome these barriers. For example, women in Karnataka formed cooperatives that facilitated better market connections and improved their product quality. The study highlights the importance of community support networks for women entrepreneurs in enhancing their business growth and resilience. Policy makers should consider supporting initiatives like cooperatives to improve access to markets and credit, while also advocating for gender equality policies that address systemic inequalities. Women Empowerment, Agribusiness Ownership, Coastal Karnataka, Tanzania