Impact of Microfinance Programs on Children: A Report

This study attempts to track changes in child well-being within microfinance programs.

This study examines the indicators that have been used by child-focused non-governmental organizations (NGOs), microfinance practitioners and social performance researchers to assess processes that address children’s concerns in operations, and the impact of microfinance on children.

The paper states that:

The general consensus on the efficacy of microfinance in increasing household well-being has resulted in the assumption of a causal link between enhanced household security and child wellbeing.

As a result of this link, there have been limited efforts to systematically track changes in child wellbeing within microfinance programs.


The interviewees (international NGOs, microfinance practitioners and microfinance networks in the Washington, DC metropolitan area), provided information on the child welfare indicators they are currently tracking. This generated a number of indicators that NGOs and microfinance institutions (MFIs) currently use to track children’s health, wellbeing and human development in association with the receipt of financial services.

The study findings include:

The majority of indicators were in the education category, followed by health, protection and nutrition indicators;

There are several gaps in the indicators relating to poverty measures, health, leisure time, development and use of microfinance products for children and gender.


The paper concludes by recommending the following indicators that would provide a more complete picture of child health and wellbeing:

Better access to health care;

Increased food security through access to a healthier diet;

Increased access to education;

Reduced vulnerability;

Leisure.


To read complete report visit: http://www.microfinancegateway.com/content/article/detail/46163


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