During the first phase of the bank linkage project, FAHU provided funding for field-based costs related to the PhD study in the effects financial linkages have on Savings Groups. In spring 2015, a baselind study was conducted and a randomized controlled Trial (RCT) was implemented through Dec 2016.

Midline and endline surveys of RCT will be conducted and the resulting data compiled and analyzed. The data is expected to provide measurable outcomes that will show whether savings groups participants benefit from access to external bank credit. Researcher shall pbulish the results and SEEP will dissiminate research outcomes.

The purpose of the second phase is to provide funding for midline and endline surveys. Those studies will create data to test the working hypothesis that members of savings groups that are linked to bank loans borrow and invest at a higher rate, thus foster micro-enterprise and hoosting household income. An overall qualitative analysis of the various effects linkages have on savings groups will be the sjbject of the research team of Jessica Goldberg and Alfredo Burlando.