The role of women micro-enterprises in poverty reduction among rural households: a case study of fish selling micro-enterprises in Kilwa district

Poverty reduction has for long been a common agenda among most global and national development institutions, as well as governments. The commitments towards poverty reduction result from the realization of the impacts of poverty among global communities. More than a third of the world population live under absolute poverty and millions die every year just because they are too poor to stay alive (WB, 2001). Rural populations particularly in Africa are among the most affected sections of the society. This study explored the role of women micro-enterprises in poverty reduction among rural households, taking the case study of women fish sellers in Kilwa district. The results of this study suggest that women micro-enterprises play a large role in poverty reduction at household level in rural areas. Women fish sellers were found to contribute in household income, availability of basic needs and access to social services. From the results of this study, governments and other stakeholders are advised to value and promote women micro-enterprises in rural areas for the purpose of reducing rural poverty. This can help to bring to an end desperate livelihood among many rural households in Tanzania.