Strengths, Weaknesses and Evolution of the Peace Corps' 11-Year ...

Table of Contents
Executive Summary ................................................................................................................... i
1. Introduction ........................................................................................................................ 1
1.1 History of the Programa de Ahorro y Crédito (PAC) ................................................................. 1
1.2 PAC Training ..................................................................................................................................... 2
1.3 PAC Methodology ............................................................................................................................ 2
1.4 Freedom from Hunger and Saving for Change ................................................................................ 4
1.5 Purpose of Study ............................................................................................................................... 5
2. Research Methods .............................................................................................................. 6
2.1 Research Tools .................................................................................................................................. 6
2.2 Sample ................................................................................................................................................ 7
2.3 Study Strengths and Limitations ..................................................................................................... 7
3. Results ................................................................................................................................ 9
3.1 Demographics ................................................................................................................................... 9
3.2 Food Security and Poverty Levels .................................................................................................. 9
3.3 Replication ....................................................................................................................................... 10
3.4 Financial Rules ................................................................................................................................ 11
3.4.1 Savings Amount .................................................................................................................... 11
3.4.2 Interest Rate .......................................................................................................................... 12
3.4.3 Loan Amount ........................................................................................................................ 13
3.4.4 Loan Length .......................................................................................................................... 14
3.4.5 Frequency of Loan Disbursement ..................................................................................... 15
3.4.6 Distribution ........................................................................................................................... 16
3.4.7 Fines ....................................................................................................................................... 16
3.4.8 Links with Banks .................................................................................................................. 16
3.5 Benefits ............................................................................................................................................. 17
3.6 Weaknesses ...................................................................................................................................... 18
3.7 Evolution ......................................................................................................................................... 20
3.8 Use of Money .................................................................................................................................. 22
3.9 Funds ................................................................................................................................................ 23
3.10 Other Activities ............................................................................................................................... 24
3.11 Other Financial Instruments ......................................................................................................... 25
3.12 Youth ................................................................................................................................................ 26
3.13 Needs of Community Banks ......................................................................................................... 27
4. Conclusions and Recommendations ............................................................................... 28
4.1 Conclusions...................................................................................................................................... 28
4.2 Recommendations .......................................................................................................................... 29