Nexus Between NGO’s Support and Women Entrepreneurs’ Socio-Economic Welfare in Tanzania: A Case of Care International

Abstract

This paper assesses the role of support from non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in enhancing the socio-economic welfare of women entrepreneurs in Tanzania using CARE International – Tanzania as a study platform. Based on a study that was conducted on Dar es Salaam women entrepreneurs who have been supported by Care International at Bunju ward in Kinondoni district, the paper examines the extent to which entrepreneurship training, financial support and business networking influence the socio-economic welfare of women entrepreneurs. Data were collected from 74 randomly selected respondents using both quantitative and qualitative methods. Frequencies, Percentage, Mean and Standard deviations were descriptively computed for quantitative analysis whereas in-depth-interview quotes from key informants were used for qualitative data. The paper established that training and business network constructs had significant contribution on the socio-economic welfare of the women entrepreneurs. Nevertheless, the availability of meagre financial support from the NGOs was found to undermine entrepreneurial activities of women entrepreneurs and, thus, its influence was found to be weak. This paper recommends that specific training programmes, especially on areas of managerial, production and marketing skills are important for the improvement of socio-economic welfare. Moreover, much more strong networks need to be developed and nurtured for the betterment of socio-economic welfare of women entrepreneurs in Tanzania.