Understanding the Impact of Handicraft Cooperative Participation on Livelihood Strategy (Asset Accumulation and Resiliency) Among Women: A Qualitative Case Study From Kigali, Rwanda

Abstract: The following thesis seeks to understand the potential for handicraft cooperatives as a sustainable livelihoods strategy. This potential is measured by the ability for cooperatives to facilitate access to economic and non-economic livelihood assets and as a result, to stimulate feelings of resiliency among members. The central questions of the study were how handicraft cooperatives in and around Kigali, Rwanda have been shown to facilitate access to assets that are necessary for a sustainable livelihood; secondly, how participating in a handicraft cooperative impacts members perceived resiliency to shocks, making them feel more adaptable to future problems. A qualitative study consisting of individual interviews and focus groups was conducted with handicraft cooperative participants in the case study region of Kigali, Rwanda. It was discovered that by participating in a handicraft cooperative, members have notable access to economic, social, and human capital directly, with indirect access to physical and natural capital through investment of economic capital. Interviewees expressed feelings of increased security and resiliency as a result of accumulating a diversified set of livelihood assets. Through asset access and improved resiliency, handicraft cooperative participation is validated as a poverty reducing livelihoods strategy among the study group.