Author Rim, J. & Rouse, J.

Year of publication 2002

The aim of this publication is to help the poor strengthen their capacities to accumulate productive capital through savings groups, especially in areas where no formal financial services are available, and to assist existing self-help groups establish their own saving activities. The information is presented in an easy-to-read form, with illustrations and group exercises. The book’s emphasis on group saving approaches should not, however, be interpreted to mean that other saving approaches are unimportant. A group approach to mobilize savings may make sense at a certain time in one’s life, depending on his/her needs and capacity to access other services, but not in another. The resource book is expected to be useful for: self-help groups and group promoters: Members and leaders of small farmers, women’s and other social and economic groups and their group promoters (local animators, extension workers, etc.); agencies promoting self-help group development: Staff in government agencies and NGOs using small group approaches to deliver agricultural extension, financial, health and/or educational services to the poor; international development agency staff: Staff in international agencies promoting micro-finance initiatives may also gain new insights on how to incorporate group savings components into their development strategies.