Beyond Financial Services: A Synthesis of Studies on the Integration of Savings Groups and Other Developmental Activities

This paper by Paul Rippey and Ben Fowler summarizes the findings of a Learning Initiative carried out by the Aga Khan Foundation with support from The MasterCard Foundation, to study the integration of Savings Groups (SGs) and other developmental activities. The other activities it reviews across nine studies include training provided to group members (separate from training for financial activities); products or services offered; cash or in-kind; linkages between the SG and service providers including financial institutions; creation of federations or networks of SGs; or any other product or activity in addition to the core financial activities of the SG (internal saving, borrowing, and insurance). It highlights lessons on synergies, risks, sustainability and replicability for practitioners to consider.