Microstart Programme - Ivory Coast: Impact Survey

This paper reports an impact survey that was carried out in Côte d'Ivoire. It lists the following features of the survey:

• Framework: United Nations Development Program's (UNDP's) MicroStart program;
• Aim: To learn about the impact of financial services on the clients of a microfinance savings and loan institution in Côte d'Ivoire, so that the institution could adapt to meet client needs and contribute to an improvement in their way of life.

The report discusses:

• The institution that provides the clients interviewed with access to financial services;
• The principal features of the financial services program offered;
• The survey methodology;
• The results of the survey with regard to the impact tool;
• The results of the qualitative tools in terms of client satisfaction and empowerment.

The report finds that:

• Women seek membership of the credit union to be able to access credit that would support their enterprise activities;
• The program had a positive impact in the following areas, with an increased:
  • Control of resources and decision-making at the individual level;
  • Assets and welfare at the household level;
  • Working capital at the enterprise level;
  • Management aptitude;
  • Employment by the clients at the community level.

The paper reports:

• High client satisfaction levels;
• Dissatisfaction with certain credit service procedures;
• Recommendations made by clients.

It concludes that the program was a valuable tool against poverty.