Abstract

A study was conducted in Madurai district of Tamil Nadu to study the behavioural changes of members of Self Help Groups of Association of Sarva Seva Farms (ASSEFA). Following multi- stage random sampling, data were collected from 270 respondents. The tools of analysis like mean, frequency, and percentage analysis; chi-square test and Mann-Whitney U test were used. The results revealed that SHGs promoted by Non-Governmental Organization brought high self-reliance, self-esteem, credit orientation, among the members and they were better empowered in economic aspects than the rest of the society.

Keywords: SHGs, NGOs, Bennett’s hierarchy, Economic benefit.