Assessing the Relative Poverty Level of MFI Clients: Synthesis Report Based on Four Case Studies

Publication Date: Jun 2000
Published by: Consultative Group to Assist the Poor (CGAP)
Document Type: Paper

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What are the prerequisites to a comprehensive assessment of an MFI?

The paper presents in detail the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) survey-based method of assessment - a companion piece to the CGAP Appraisal Format. Employing four case studies MFIs in different geographical locations (Central America, East Africa, Southern Africa, and South Asia), paper measures the poverty level of MFI clients relative to non-clients.

• Argues that a comprehensive assessment of an MFI must include an evaluation of how its poverty outreach record reconciles with its mission and program objectives
• Concludes that the appraisal tool produced results that are credible and consistent with the mission, priorities, and targeting practices of the case study MFIs