UNRAVELLING FINANCIAL INCLUSION AMONG WOMEN DAIRY COOPERATIVE MEMBERS: THE ROLE OF FARM SCALE AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS

Abstract

Financial inclusion is an important aspect of rural economic participation, particularly for women whose livelihoods are closely linked with agricultural and allied activities. Women dairy cooperatives provide a platform through which women can market milk, receive regular payments and access services associated with dairy production. The present study assessed the financial-inclusion impact of women dairy cooperatives among 240 women dairy cooperative members from Tumkur and Chikkaballapura districts of Karnataka, comprising 60 members each from small- and big-farm categories. It revealed differences in financial inclusion across farm-size groups and changes in the economic outcomes of members after joining the cooperative. Small farm women were predominantly classified under the medium-impact category (58.34 %), whereas big-farm women had a comparatively higher proportion in the high-impact category (34.17 %). Financial inclusion was significantly higher among big-farm women than small farm women in both districts. This may be attributed to their larger herd size, greater milk production and higher income-generating capacity, which could enable better use of cooperative services and financial opportunities. Economic outcomes also improved after cooperative membership, with higher returns and benefit-cost ratios across farm-size groups. These changes suggest that regular milk marketing and cooperative linked income opportunities may have strengthened the financial position of members. However, the greater concentration of small farm women in the medium category indicates the need for further support to help them derive greater financial benefits from cooperative participation. Overall, dairy cooperatives supported women financial inclusion, with the benefits varying by farm size and productive capacity.