Factors Affecting the Success of Nomadic Women’s Micro-Credit Funds: The Case of Fars Province

The aim of this study was to investigate factors affecting the success of nomadic women’s micro-credit funds in Fars province. This research used a quantitative approach which was conducted using a survey method. The data were obtained via a questionnaire from 331 nomadic women being member of micro-credit funds in Fars province. These women were sampled using Cochran's formula and a stratified sampling approach with proportional assignment. Face validity of the questionnaire was confirmed by the specialists of rural development and agricultural extension of Yasouj University. Reliability of the research tool was confirmed by conducting a pre-test study and calculating Cronbach's alpha indices (0.712 to 0.911). The results showed that there is a positive and significant relationship at the level of 1% between economic, socio-cultural, psychological, supportive and educational factors and “the success of nomadic women’s micro-credit funds as the dependent variable. Moreover, the success of nomadic women’s micro-credit funds can be attributed to the socio-cultural, psychological, economic, educational and membership constructs of the fund, which in balance could explain 79.6% of the variance of the success of nomadic women’s micro-credit funds. According to the results, in order to promote the success of the micro-credit funds, it is recommended to be held some classes and training courses on introducing income-generating and sustainable businesses. In addition, increasing low-interest loans and identifying donors and guiding them to invest in the funds are further solutions for improving the performance of micro-credit funds.