Savings and the Poor, the Methods, Use and Impact of Savings by the Poor of East Africa

Looking at how poor people use informal, semi-formal and formal sector savings systems and services

58 pages

This paper synthesizes studies in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda to look at how poor people use informal, semi-formal and formal sector savings systems and services to manage their household income and expenditure flows better. The paper also seeks to examine the impact of the availability (or otherwise) of a variety of saving systems and services. This study is complemented with field-work and studies conducted in preparation for the World Development Report 2000/1 on Risks, Vulnerability, Assets and Empowerment: Impact of MicroFinance on Poverty Alleviation.

[Author's abstract]

About this Publication

By Rutherford, S.

Published

January 1999

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