Local Saving Mobilization

This paper presents field findings as to why efficient financial intermediation is not happening at local level, based on an extensive assessment of saving mobilization efforts by twelve microfinance institutions with branch networks distributed throughout different geographies of Ethiopia. Sponsored by DfID, WB and DAI, a total of 60 Focus Group Discussions, and more individual interviews have been conducted with players both on the supply and demand side. It highlighted key shortcomings, especially on supply side strategies which falls short of offering products and services suitable to local contexts, effectively communicated to people living in diverse geographies and cultures, majority of whom struggling to manage livelihoods through complex mix of agricultural and non-agricultural economic systems, and working under established power dynamics at household and community level.