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Code: ASS – 007 Author: Natasha Pairaudeau, Nguyen Van Dao and Le Chi Tuan Quantity: 1 Type: copy Status: 1/1
Introduction
The overall objective of the research was to assess the impact of the ActionAid – assisted savings and credit programme in Mai Son district, Son La province, through combining a detailed review of database output on the programme, with follow-up field work and household interviews. Added to the terms of reference was a consideration of reasons behind the recent rise in delinquency rates: as this was found to be closely related to the two main findings, the issue is included in the discussion of these findings.
In assessing the impact of the programme the research team found that two important points need to be addressed within the programme. The increased availability of VBP loans in the last year is the principal finding that has emerged from the field work analysis, and the strongest point emerging from the review overall. Greater access to the VBA and VBP has not made the Commune Bank redundant, but has significantly changed the way in which it is being used. While group members continue to find the Commune Bank more convenient for depositing and withdrawing savings and, sometimes for lacking smaller loans, the VBP has become the preferred source of large loans, primarily because of its lower rate of interest. Greater access to VBP loans is indeed good news for the poor: its impact on the ActionAid assisted scheme however, means that adjustments will bee required in the savings and credit scheme to adapt to the changed situation.
