Social Impact Assessment of Microfinance Programmes - weman

From these results we can judge that outcomes like income and food expenditure have
benefited from microfinance in the short term; however outcomes like asset accumulation
that take time, experience impact later.
5.4 Focus Group Discussions
This section discusses the client feedback of microfinance institutions and the various
coping mechanisms at the local level in terms of financial transactions. Information has
been gathered primarily through focus group discussions with beneficiary groups in
randomly selected programme localities. Some additional information has also been
gathered through discussions with respective programmes’ field and programme staff.
Two focus group discussions were conducted in the Akhuwat programme localities in
Lahore in the Township area and Shah Jamal. The participants were a combination of
male and female clients.
Client Profile
Akhuwat clients belong mostly to the low-income groups engaged in various small
enterprises and businesses. However, despite their low incomes of less than Rs. 5,000, the
majority of the participants said that they saved through the committee system. Very few
were actually putting money into the Akhuwat savings schemes, which indicates that
savings is not a significant part of the programme and is definitely not obligatory.
There was no formal relationship with any banking system prevailing among the people
in the two localities and people managed their financial requirements through relatives
and neighbours during times of need. The amounts saved through the committees were
either invested in enterprise development or other planned needs like buying motor
rickshaws or for marriages. A majority of the people did own a few assets that could be
sold or used as a backup for emergency purposes.
All clients reiterated that the Akhuwat credit programme has had a clearly positive
impact on their lives and their income levels had improved since taking up the credit.
Clients’ Feedback
Akhuwat, according to its programme philosophy, believes in a humanitarian vision and
mission as indicated by their clients, and is reflected in the attitude and behaviour of their
team members. People said that the staff were compassionate and polite in their approach
and tried to provide all possible support to them.
Although, borrowers were appreciative of the fact that this was an interest free
programme, they felt that some of the procedural requirements should be less tedious.
Many clients mentioned that the application process was too lengthy, while the policy of
presenting two witnesses twice in the credit amount disbursement process, was also
irksome.
‘People in our area are working class and need to be at their workplaces most part of the
day. Akhuwat wants two witnesses, who have to spend quite a few hours on behalf of the
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