Microloans, Insecticide-Treated Bednets and Malaria: Evidence from a Randomized Controlled Trial in Orissa
May 2011

This document summarizes a study, conducted in rural Orissa, which examined the impact of two different distribution schemes: free distribution and selling bednets through microloans, on the usage and take-up rate of insecticide-treated bednets (ITNs). The study also gauged the impact of insecticide-treated bednets on health incomes such as anemia and malaria prevalence.

Putting Money in Motion: How Much do Migrants Pay for Domestic Transfers?
January 2011

This document summarizes results from a CMF study of remittance behavior and costs along four migrant corridors in India. The memo also proposes policies that would improve the delivery of financial services to India's 100 million-plus domestic migrant population.

The Impact of Introducing a Grace Period into Microfinance Loan Contracts
March 2010

This document summarizes initial results from a CMF impact evaluation on the effects of introducing a two month grace period into a microfinance loan contract. The outcomes analyzed include client investment decisions and deliquency.

Microfinance and Social Capital
March 2010

This policy memo summarizes initial results from a CMF impact evaluation on the creation of social capital via the frequency of group repayment meetings.

Impact Evaluation of a Micro-Credit Expansion in Urban India
July 2009

This document summarizes initial results from a CMF impact evaluation on the effects of Spandana's microcredit on first time borrowers in the slums of Hyderabad. Using a randomized control trial, the research team examined the impact of Spandana's credit on slum business creation,business profits and household expenditures, among other variables.

The Impact of Business Training on Microfinance Clients
February 2009

This three page document summarizes initial results from a CMF impact evaluation on the effects of business training among SEWA Bank clients. This study examines the impact of a short training course on business and financial skills for self-employed women in Ahmedebad. The intervention is based on currently-used training courses that SEWA Bank offers to its clients. Each two-day class has about 10-12 participants, drawn from SEWA’s members who own a small business (e.g., vegetable vendors, tailors, store owners, etc.) or are engaged in home-based piece work (e.g., embroidery, rolling bidis, etc.)

Repayment Frequency and Default in Microfinance: Preliminary results from a pilot study in West Bengal
December 2007

Results from a CMF field experiment show that clients with a weekly or monthly repayment schedule were not more likely to be delinquent or default on their loans. This suggests that among microfinance clients who are willing to borrow at either weekly or monthly repayment schedules, a more flexible schedule can significantly lower transaction costs without increasing client default.