Monitoring and Evaluation of Impact

The results of the qualitative Impact and Client Exit Survey for 2008 illustrate the considerable impact of the MAFF (FAF.sh.a.) on enabling access to micro financial services (loan) to the poor.

For sure there is strong evidence of positive impact on the multiple dimensions of household income and enterprise performance, being MAFF client is associated with greater acquisition of land relative to non-clients, which can be taken as significant evidence of positive impact.

Moreover, there is plenty of evidence to illustrate the role played by MAFF in assisting with consumption-smoothing and coping against vulnerabilities. For example, there is strong evidence that MAFF clients use their loans to finance product and service purchases, an option that is not available to non-clients who depend on gifts from friends and family to help them tide over difficult times.

The figures and information on client satisfaction need to be reviewed carefully by the management, and in some cases probed further to understand client preferences so to better adjust products to suit members and potential members.

In this regard it would be useful to compare these findings with those from the Client Satisfaction focus group discussions to arrive at more robust conclusions in the last sub-report of the client impact assessment.

Overall, it is important that the evidence of positive impact of MAFF products (loans) on income is viewed in conjunction with the broader macro-economic environment of Albania, which is improving every day.