Beyond empowerment: Drivers of the performance of income-generating activities among women beneficiaries of the Secondary Education for Girls Advancement (SEGA) Program in Morogoro Municipality, Tanzania

Abstract

The objective of this study is to assess the effectiveness of strategies implemented by SEGA towards the performance of income- generating activities among SEGA women beneficiaries. Based on the SEGA determinant factors, the researchers developed questions to guide the study and measure the factors that influence the performance of income-generating activities. In Tanzania, women play a vital role in income-generating activities (IGAs), although their economic advancement continues to be constrained by limited financial resources, market barriers, socio-cultural norms, and institutional challenges. This study examined factors affecting the performance of women’s income-generating activities among beneficiaries of the Secondary Education for Girls Advancement (SEGA) programme in Morogoro Municipality, Tanzania. This study is guided by two complementary theoretical perspectives: Kabeer’s Women’s Empowerment Framework and the Resource-Based View (RBV) of the firm. A mixed-method cross-sectional design was employed in Kihonda Ward. Primary data were collected using questionnaires, key informant interviews, and direct observation. Quantitative data were collected from 113 women beneficiaries and analyzed using descriptive statistics and Multiple Linear Regression (MLR) to determine factors associated with IGA performance. Qualitative data from key informant interviews were analyzed thematically to explore beneficiaries’ experiences, institutional support, and socio-economic challenges. The integration of quantitative and qualitative findings enabled triangulation and a comprehensive assessment of women’s economic empowerment. The findings indicate that SEGA beneficiaries were mainly engaged in small-scale enterprises, including retail trading, food vending, tailoring, poultry keeping, and service activities. MLR results showed that education level, age, SEGA training, access to finance, institutional support, and digital technology were significant positive predictors of IGA performance. SEGA training (B = 112,540.68, p = 0.001), institutional support (B = 105,624.91, p < 0.001), and access to finance (B = 87,315.42, p = 0.002) were particularly important. Market access showed a significant negative association (B = −74,826.35, p = 0.015), suggesting contextual market-related constraints. SEGA’s integrated approach contributes to women’s economic participation and IGA performance. Strengthening financial access, training, institutional support, digital skills, and market linkages is recommended for sustainable economic empowerment. Overall, the SEGA beneficiaries have an average level of income. The findings of this study may help government and responsible institutions to develop strategies to ensure women are economically empowered and integrate digital technology in economic activities.