Microfinance in Post-disaster, Post-conflict Areas & Fragile States: Resilience and Responsibility

This 9th edition of the European Dialogue provides a background of the particular challenges that MFIs face in post-crisis contexts, how those challenges vary depending on whether the crisis is acute or protracted, and the particular opportunities for MFIs to make a positive impact, increasing the resilience of clients and the institutions themselves in the face of extreme vulnerability. 

The Dialogue also provides case examples from among the ten award semi-finalists of how institutions can match these factors to a range of contexts – from sudden natural disasters, to ongoing civil conflict – and includes profiles of each of the ten organizations that made it to the semi-final stage. This Dialogue is especially accessible to a broad range of stakeholders of differing expertise and background, and will be particularly valuable as a one-stop, introductory tool for those interested in knowing more both about this critical and young sub-sector of microfinance, and the institutions providing services to clients in the most difficult circumstances imaginable.

Nine key issues surfaced from the cases submitted for the award, which exemplify the emerging best practices for financial institutions operating in crisis or post-crisis contexts:

1. Immediate Humanitarian Response;
2. Adapting Core Financial Services;
3. Awareness Building and Psychological Support;
4. Innovating With Products;
5. Planning Ahead;
6. Making Partnerships;
7. Taking Care of Staff;
8. Ensuring Financial Sustainability;
9. Leading by Example.