Focus Group Discussions and Participatory Rapid Appraisal for Microfinance: A Toolkit/Course

Publication Date: 1999
Published by: MicroSave
Document Type: Other

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New methodologies for microfinance

Explains that there is a need for Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) to conduct market research in order to tailor financial products and services to the needs of their clients. The same types of procedures and methods that can and should be used to design MFIs' products and systems can (and perhaps should) also be used to examine impact. There are few tools available to assist those who wish to use market research in this way

Traditional quantitative research methods fail to capture the rich complexity of the reality and livelihoods of poor households. These quantitative approaches overlook the importance of the role of microfinance services in diversifying sources of income, smoothing income and expenditure fluctuations, protecting and developing important household assets (physical as well as human), and developing key social contacts and skills

Introduces a series of tools, including Focus Group Discussions and Participatory Rapid Appraisal (PRA), that allow the researcher/practitioner to examine the complexity of the financial, economic and social environment of poor households. Guidelines are also provided on how to analyse the results in order identify common trends and patterns, and recurring themes and issues. Practical in-the-field exercises are provided to maximise the learning experience.(Contact MicroSave-Africa for more details on this course.)