MicroSave-Africa’s Focus Groups and PRA

Tools

A MicroSave presentation distributed on

www.ideasnet.org

MicroSave-Africa Market Research for

MicroFinance How the Tools were

DevelopedDeveloped with 9 MFIs in

BangladeshPhilippinesKenya/Tanzania/Uganda

Pilot-tested as a toolkit inKenya/Tanzania/Uganda

Training underway/planned for:International NetworksMFIs in East/South/West AfricaAfrican TA Consultants

MicroSave-Africa Market Research for

MicroFinanceFocus Group DiscussionParticipatory Rapid Appraisal Tools (14)

Seasonality AnalysesLifecycle AnalysisProduct Attribute Ranking Wealth RankingCash Mobility MappingFinancial Sector Trend Analysis

Handout: A Quick Introduction to Market Research for MicroFinance

What Is A Focus Group Discussion ?

Relatively new technique for data collection. Used to collect qualitative data - provides descriptive information not numbers and figures.6-8 homogeneous participants discuss a particular issue lead by a moderator probing (not prompting) and helping the group explore the issues in depth.The discussion is recorded. The “Focus” in Focus Group Discussion describes the importance of focusing on a few key (generally related) issues.

When Is A Focus Group Discussion

Useful/Applicable ?To collect a large amount of complex data in a relatively short period of time. More in-depth examination of issues through the dynamics of a peer-group discussion.It is useful for qualitative/descriptive data collection and/or when detailed information is required in a short period of time.

Focus Group Discussion Process

Get to know the sector

Get to know the clients et al

Arrange Logistics and

Select Interviewees

Prepare and Pre-Test

Discussion Guide

Run Focus Group

Discussion

Analyse Data and Prepare

Report and Presentation

Market Research & Prototype Development Process Overview

QualitativeResearch:FGD/PRA

ConceptDevelopment

Qualitative Research

Plan

Refine the Concept intoa Prototype

ProblemDefinition

QuantitativeResearch:PrototypeTesting

Product Ready forPilot-test

Understanding clients’ needs

Testing the product prototype

Focus Groups depend on the Moderator

Focusing on the Issues

… and is fun too!!!

Exercise

Break into four groups1. Seasonality Analysis2. Life Cycle Analysis3. Financial Sector Trend Analysis4. Product Attribute RankingReview the outputs of these PRA tools and

answer the three questions.

Handout: PRA Tools (and on completion of the exercise PRA Tools Resolved)

Seasonality Analysis

Seasonality Analysis

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J an F eb M ar A pr M ay J un Ju l A ug S ep O c t N ov D ec

M o n th s (J an 98 t o D e c 199 8)

Le

ve

l

Inc o m e.

E x pen ditu r e .

S av in gs .

C re d it /L oa ns.

S c hoo l fe e s

E aste r

S c hoo l fe e s

Ch ristm a s

Life-Cycle Analysis

Life-Cycle Analysis

Death ofSpouse

Establish HHBirth 1st Child

Children in P rimary School

Children in Secondary School

P rolonged Illness

Retirement

Death of P arents

Looking after ageing P arents

Children's Marriage

Marriage

Tertiary Education

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Life Cycle Events

Fin

anci

al P

ress

ure

Product Attribute Ranking

Uses and Options for the MicroSave-Africa

Market Research for MicroFinanceMarket Research - for product development or “refinement”Analysis of vulnerability/risk/opportunities and how clients use financial servicesAnalysis of financial landscape - informal/formalAnalysis of drop-outs and delinquency problemsImpact assessmentAnalysis of relative depth of outreachFraud/rent-seeking identificationImplementation cost

FGD & PRA: Many Uses in Many Settings

MicroSave-Africa A CGAP/DFID/UNDP Initiative

“Promoting high-quality financial services for poor people”

Shelter Afrique Building, Mamlaka Road, P.O. Box 76436, Nairobi, Kenya

Tel: 254 (0)2 724801/724806/726397 Fax: 254 (0)2 720133

Email: msa@MicroSave-Africa.com Website: http://www.MicroSave-Africa.com