Savings Groups Plus: A Review of the Evidence

This document is a literature review conducted to identify the research evidence on the integration of savings groups (SGs) and other development activities—called SG plus (SG+). The evidence suggests that SGs help individuals and households in resource-poor regions of the world increase their savings and access to credit. However, evaluations of SG+ programs are less common. Overall, the evidence on the impact of SG+ varied by type of development area. For example, outcomes were mainly positive for a program that combined SG with male engagement and gender equality. In addition, outcomes directly related to SG activities, such as increased income and assets, were generally positive as a result of the intervention. Although some evidence on the impact of SG+ exists, more research is needed for donors and implementers to understand the effectiveness of integrating SG and activities in other development areas.