AN ASSESSMENT OF POVERTY ALLEVIATION FUND IN THE GUSHEGU DISTRICT OF NORTHERN GHANA

Abstract

In March 1995, the UN held the First World Summit for Social Development in Copenhagen. The theme of the Summit was poverty eradication and possible ways of exploring alternative strategies to tackle the worsening poverty situation in the Third World. Inadequate access to or control of income-generating activities is still a major phenomenon in the Gushegu District. The research was broadly designed based on a case study approach. The study combined qualitative and quantitative approaches in data collection and analysis. Both primary and secondary data were collected for the purpose of this study. Primary data collection processes made use of Focus Group Discussions (FGD) and in-depth interview with key participants using semi-structured or open-ended questions. The main findings of the study are that: Females are the larger beneficiaries of the Poverty Alleviation Fund in the Gushegu District. They constitute 75 per cent of the beneficiaries. The findings also revealed that majority of respondents have no formal education. Out of the 100 respondents, as much as 53 per cent had no formal education. A major finding is that the size of the fund given to individuals or groups was too small to be invested in any meaningful business venture. The amount of the loan ranged from GH¢20 to GH¢100 per person in 2004. The first recommendation therefore is that groups to be assisted with funding; must have common interest and objectives and should have been in existence for at least two years before qualifying for any form of loan. It is also recommended that such funds should be disbursed through credible organizations such as the National Board for small scale industries.