RRA Access to Finance Case Study Dissemination

The Feed the Future Nigeria Rural Resilience Activity developed a case study learning brief that is focused on the Activity’s approach and learnings from interventions around creating Access to Formal Financial services to participants through partnerships focusing on aiding vulnerable populations like rural women, youth, and internally displaced persons.
Despite facing challenges such as cash shortages and inadequate infrastructure, the Rural Resilience Activity (RRA), funded by USAID, implemented by a consortium led by Mercy Corps Nigeria, collaborates with financial institutions and service providers to extend financial services and empower communities economically. Through models like direct lending by Microfinance Banks (MFBs), commercial bank partnerships with Business Development Service Providers (BDSPs), and Fintech-led solutions for savings groups, the project aims to enhance financial inclusion and resilience in the region.
However, the success of these models varies, with factors like trust, technical capacity, and sustainability influencing outcomes. While some partnerships show promise, others face hurdles like low repayment rates and insufficient capital mobilization.
The lessons learned stress the importance of tailored solutions, ongoing support, and clear communication to ensure effective implementation and long-term impact, underscoring the complexities of fostering financial inclusion in fragile contexts like Northeast Nigeria.
Discussion Points:
What have we learnt so far?
What makes RRA’s approach unique?
What can we do differently?
#RRA #Finance #Access2Finance #MercyCorps