What We’re Working On in 2018
Applying a Market Systems Approach to Savings Groups (January)
The learning brief proposes the application of the market systems approach to support the development of a well-functioning system where Savings Groups effectively reach all those who seek participation. Equally important, this paper proposes an agenda for the SG community moving forward, envisaging a new role for development agencies through active coordination and proactive experimentation in the formation and operations of SGs.
State of Practice: Savings Groups and Inclusion (April)
The State of Practice aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the participation of vulnerable populations in SGs, barriers and enablers of inclusion, and approaches and tools to increase and measure the outreach of SGs to vulnerable populations.
A Risk Assessment of Savings Groups (June)
The risk assessment – undertaken in collaboration with the Aga Khan Foundation, Catholic Relief Services and World Relief – will identify and assess negative outcomes associated with participation in Savings Groups. This evidence-based assessment – based on a survey of 500 Savings Groups and key informants in Burkina Faso, Madagascar, Rwanda and Tanzania – aims to inform the development of targeted consumer protection initiatives for Savings Groups. Preliminary findings will be presented at the SLWG semi-annual meeting in Kigali on May 24.