Assessing the Relative Poverty Level of MFI Clients, Case Studies

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), the paper measures the poverty level of MFI clients relative to non-clients. It:

• 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.