Youth savings groups in Africa: they’re a family affair
Based on fieldwork in Tanzania, Zambia, Uganda, and Ghana, in the paper we provide new evidence that young people’s engagement with savings groups in Africa is deeply embedded in networks of family and social relations. Savings group members rely on money that is given to them by partners and family members to make savings contributions to the groups, while they also transfer some of their share-outs and loans to family members and friends. This is particularly true for younger members. As such we argue that the socially embedded nature of young people's engagement with savings group needs to be taken into account. The tension between the primary focus on the individual within youth saving programming, and the socially embedded nature of their engagement, has important implications for programme design, implementation and evaluation.Allen, H. (2015) ‘Savings groups global outreach’ [online], SEEP <www.seepnetwork.org/savings-groups-global-outreach-pages-20015.php> [accessed 15 February 2016].
Allen, H. and Panetta, D. (2010) Savings Groups: what are they? Washington, DC: The SEEP Network.
Ashe, J. and Neilan, K.J. (2014) In their Own Hands: how Savings Groups are Revolutionizing Development, Oakland, CA: Berrett-Koehler.
Boonyabanca, S. (2001) ‘Savings and loans: drawing lessons from some experiences in Asia’, Environment & Urbanization 13(2): 9–21 <http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/095624780101300202>.
Bouman, F.J.A. (1995) ‘Rotating and accumulating savings and credit associations: a development perspective’, World Development 23(3): 371–84.
Cameron, S. and Ananga, E. (no date) Savings Groups and Educational Investment, London: Plan UK.
Cameron, S. and Ananga, E.D. (2015) ‘Savings groups, livelihoods and education: two case studies in Ghana’, Journal of International Development 27(7): 1027–41 <http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/jid.3067>.
Deshpande, R. and Zimmerman, J. (2010) Youth Savings in Developing Countries: Trends in Practice, Gaps in Knowledge [pdf] <www.mastercardfdn.org/pdfs/YouthSavingsMay2010Web.pdf> [accessed 15 February 2016].
Gash, M. and Odell, K. (2013) The Evidence-based Story of Savings Groups: A Synthesis of Seven Randomized Trials, Arlington, VA: The SEEP Network.
Helmore, K. (2011) Tanzania: Linking Savings Groups to Mobile Banking. Access Africa Technical Learning Series: No. 2. Atlanta, Dar-Es-Salaam: CARE.
Hopkins, D. and Perdomo, M. (2011) Listening to Youth: Market Research to Design Financial and Non-Financial Services for Youth in Sub-Saharan Africa, New York: UN Capital Development Fund (UNCDF).
Johnson, L., Lee, Y., Ansong, D., Sherraden, M., Chowa, G., Ssewamala, F. M., Zou, L., Sherraden, M., Njenga, M., Kieyah, J., Osei-Akoto, I., Sharma, S., Manandhar, J., Rodriguez, C., Merchán, F. and Saavedra, J. (2015) Youth Savings Patterns and Performance in Colombia, Ghana, Kenya, and Nepal: YouthSave Research Report 2015, CSD Publication 15-01, St Louis, MO: Center for Social Development (CSD).
Karlan, D., Thuysbaert, B., Udry, C., Cupito, E., Naimpally, R., Salgado, E. and Savonitto, B. (2012) Impact Assessment of Youth Savings Groups: Findings of Three Randomized Evaluations of CARE Village Savings and Loan Associations Programs in Ghana, Malawi and Uganda, New Haven, CT: Innovations for Poverty Action.
Kimuyu, P.K. (1999) ‘Rotating savings and credit organizations in rural East Africa’, World Development 27(7): 1299–308.
Lowicki-Zucca, M., Walugembe, P., Ogaba, I. and Langol, S. (2014) ‘Savings groups as a socioeconomic strategy to improve protection of moderately and critically vulnerable children in Uganda’, Children and Youth Services Review 47: 176–81 <http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.childyouth.2014.08.011>.
Markel, E. and Panetta, D. (2014) Youth Savings Groups, Entrepreneurship and Employment [pdf], <www.careinternational.org.uk/linking-for-change/images/youth%20savings%20groups.pdf> [accessed 15 February 2016].
Mugambi, A., Njunge, C. and Yang, S.C. (2014) ‘Mobile-money benefits and usage: the case of M-PESA’, IT Professional 16(3): 16–21.
Plan International UK (2016) The Banking on Change Youth Savings Group Model, London: Barclays Bank PLC, Plan UK and CARE International UK.
Smith, W., Scott, L. and Shepherd, A. (2015) Financial Inclusion Policy Guide: Enhanced Resilience through Savings and Insurance via Linkages and Digital Technology, Policy Guide No. 6, London: Chronic Poverty Advisory Network (CPAN).
Wilson, K., Harper, M. and Griffith, M. (eds.) (2010) Financial Promise for the Poor: How Savings Groups Build Microsavings, Sterling, VA: Kumarian Press.
Zou, L., Tlapek, S., Njenga, G., Appiah, E., Opai-Tetteh, D. and Sherraden, M. (2015) ‘Facilitators and obstacles in youth saving: perspectives from Ghana and Kenya’, Global Social Welfare 2(2): 65–74 <http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s40609-015-0028-y>.
Allen, H. (2015) ‘Savings groups global outreach’ [online], SEEP <www.seepnetwork.org/savings-groups-global-outreach-pages-20015.php> [accessed 15 February 2016].
Allen, H. and Panetta, D. (2010) Savings Groups: what are they? Washington, DC: The SEEP Network.
Ashe, J. and Neilan, K.J. (2014) In their Own Hands: how Savings Groups are Revolutionizing Development, Oakland, CA: Berrett-Koehler.
Boonyabanca, S. (2001) ‘Savings and loans: drawing lessons from some experiences in Asia’, Environment & Urbanization 13(2): 9–21 <http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/095624780101300202>.
Bouman, F.J.A. (1995) ‘Rotating and accumulating savings and credit associations: a development perspective’, World Development 23(3): 371–84.
Cameron, S. and Ananga, E. (no date) Savings Groups and Educational Investment, London: Plan UK.
Cameron, S. and Ananga, E.D. (2015) ‘Savings groups, livelihoods and education: two case studies in Ghana’, Journal of International Development 27(7): 1027–41 <http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/jid.3067>.
Deshpande, R. and Zimmerman, J. (2010) Youth Savings in Developing Countries: Trends in Practice, Gaps in Knowledge [pdf] <www.mastercardfdn.org/pdfs/YouthSavingsMay2010Web.pdf> [accessed 15 February 2016].
Gash, M. and Odell, K. (2013) The Evidence-based Story of Savings Groups: A Synthesis of Seven Randomized Trials, Arlington, VA: The SEEP Network.
Helmore, K. (2011) Tanzania: Linking Savings Groups to Mobile Banking. Access Africa Technical Learning Series: No. 2. Atlanta, Dar-Es-Salaam: CARE.
Hopkins, D. and Perdomo, M. (2011) Listening to Youth: Market Research to Design Financial and Non-Financial Services for Youth in Sub-Saharan Africa, New York: UN Capital Development Fund (UNCDF).
Johnson, L., Lee, Y., Ansong, D., Sherraden, M., Chowa, G., Ssewamala, F. M., Zou, L., Sherraden, M., Njenga, M., Kieyah, J., Osei-Akoto, I., Sharma, S., Manandhar, J., Rodriguez, C., Merchán, F. and Saavedra, J. (2015) Youth Savings Patterns and Performance in Colombia, Ghana, Kenya, and Nepal: YouthSave Research Report 2015, CSD Publication 15-01, St Louis, MO: Center for Social Development (CSD).
Karlan, D., Thuysbaert, B., Udry, C., Cupito, E., Naimpally, R., Salgado, E. and Savonitto, B. (2012) Impact Assessment of Youth Savings Groups: Findings of Three Randomized Evaluations of CARE Village Savings and Loan Associations Programs in Ghana, Malawi and Uganda, New Haven, CT: Innovations for Poverty Action.
Kimuyu, P.K. (1999) ‘Rotating savings and credit organizations in rural East Africa’, World Development 27(7): 1299–308.
Lowicki-Zucca, M., Walugembe, P., Ogaba, I. and Langol, S. (2014) ‘Savings groups as a socioeconomic strategy to improve protection of moderately and critically vulnerable children in Uganda’, Children and Youth Services Review 47: 176–81 <http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.childyouth.2014.08.011>.
Markel, E. and Panetta, D. (2014) Youth Savings Groups, Entrepreneurship and Employment [pdf], <www.careinternational.org.uk/linking-for-change/images/youth%20savings%20groups.pdf> [accessed 15 February 2016].
Mugambi, A., Njunge, C. and Yang, S.C. (2014) ‘Mobile-money benefits and usage: the case of M-PESA’, IT Professional 16(3): 16–21.
Plan International UK (2016) The Banking on Change Youth Savings Group Model, London: Barclays Bank PLC, Plan UK and CARE International UK.
Smith, W., Scott, L. and Shepherd, A. (2015) Financial Inclusion Policy Guide: Enhanced Resilience through Savings and Insurance via Linkages and Digital Technology, Policy Guide No. 6, London: Chronic Poverty Advisory Network (CPAN).
Wilson, K., Harper, M. and Griffith, M. (eds.) (2010) Financial Promise for the Poor: How Savings Groups Build Microsavings, Sterling, VA: Kumarian Press.
Zou, L., Tlapek, S., Njenga, G., Appiah, E., Opai-Tetteh, D. and Sherraden, M. (2015) ‘Facilitators and obstacles in youth saving: perspectives from Ghana and Kenya’, Global Social Welfare 2(2): 65–74 <http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s40609-015-0028-y>.
Allen, H. (2015) ‘Savings groups global outreach’ [online], SEEP <www.seepnetwork.org/savings-groups-global-outreach-pages-20015.php> [accessed 15 February 2016].
Allen, H. and Panetta, D. (2010) Savings Groups: what are they? Washington, DC: The SEEP Network.
Ashe, J. and Neilan, K.J. (2014) In their Own Hands: how Savings Groups are Revolutionizing Development, Oakland, CA: Berrett-Koehler.
Boonyabanca, S. (2001) ‘Savings and loans: drawing lessons from some experiences in Asia’, Environment & Urbanization 13(2): 9–21 <http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/095624780101300202>.
Bouman, F.J.A. (1995) ‘Rotating and accumulating savings and credit associations: a development perspective’, World Development 23(3): 371–84.
Cameron, S. and Ananga, E. (no date) Savings Groups and Educational Investment, London: Plan UK.
Cameron, S. and Ananga, E.D. (2015) ‘Savings groups, livelihoods and education: two case studies in Ghana’, Journal of International Development 27(7): 1027–41 <http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/jid.3067>.
Deshpande, R. and Zimmerman, J. (2010) Youth Savings in Developing Countries: Trends in Practice, Gaps in Knowledge [pdf] <www.mastercardfdn.org/pdfs/YouthSavingsMay2010Web.pdf> [accessed 15 February 2016].
Gash, M. and Odell, K. (2013) The Evidence-based Story of Savings Groups: A Synthesis of Seven Randomized Trials, Arlington, VA: The SEEP Network.
Helmore, K. (2011) Tanzania: Linking Savings Groups to Mobile Banking. Access Africa Technical Learning Series: No. 2. Atlanta, Dar-Es-Salaam: CARE.
Hopkins, D. and Perdomo, M. (2011) Listening to Youth: Market Research to Design Financial and Non-Financial Services for Youth in Sub-Saharan Africa, New York: UN Capital Development Fund (UNCDF).
Johnson, L., Lee, Y., Ansong, D., Sherraden, M., Chowa, G., Ssewamala, F. M., Zou, L., Sherraden, M., Njenga, M., Kieyah, J., Osei-Akoto, I., Sharma, S., Manandhar, J., Rodriguez, C., Merchán, F. and Saavedra, J. (2015) Youth Savings Patterns and Performance in Colombia, Ghana, Kenya, and Nepal: YouthSave Research Report 2015, CSD Publication 15-01, St Louis, MO: Center for Social Development (CSD).
Karlan, D., Thuysbaert, B., Udry, C., Cupito, E., Naimpally, R., Salgado, E. and Savonitto, B. (2012) Impact Assessment of Youth Savings Groups: Findings of Three Randomized Evaluations of CARE Village Savings and Loan Associations Programs in Ghana, Malawi and Uganda, New Haven, CT: Innovations for Poverty Action.
Kimuyu, P.K. (1999) ‘Rotating savings and credit organizations in rural East Africa’, World Development 27(7): 1299–308.
Lowicki-Zucca, M., Walugembe, P., Ogaba, I. and Langol, S. (2014) ‘Savings groups as a socioeconomic strategy to improve protection of moderately and critically vulnerable children in Uganda’, Children and Youth Services Review 47: 176–81 <http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.childyouth.2014.08.011>.
Markel, E. and Panetta, D. (2014) Youth Savings Groups, Entrepreneurship and Employment [pdf], <www.careinternational.org.uk/linking-for-change/images/youth%20savings%20groups.pdf> [accessed 15 February 2016].
Mugambi, A., Njunge, C. and Yang, S.C. (2014) ‘Mobile-money benefits and usage: the case of M-PESA’, IT Professional 16(3): 16–21.
Plan International UK (2016) The Banking on Change Youth Savings Group Model, London: Barclays Bank PLC, Plan UK and CARE International UK.
Smith, W., Scott, L. and Shepherd, A. (2015) Financial Inclusion Policy Guide: Enhanced Resilience through Savings and Insurance via Linkages and Digital Technology, Policy Guide No. 6, London: Chronic Poverty Advisory Network (CPAN).
Wilson, K., Harper, M. and Griffith, M. (eds.) (2010) Financial Promise for the Poor: How Savings Groups Build Microsavings, Sterling, VA: Kumarian Press.
Zou, L., Tlapek, S., Njenga, G., Appiah, E., Opai-Tetteh, D. and Sherraden, M. (2015) ‘Facilitators and obstacles in youth saving: perspectives from Ghana and Kenya’, Global Social Welfare 2(2): 65–74 <http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s40609-015-0028-y>.
Allen, H. (2015) ‘Savings groups global outreach’ [online], SEEP <www.seepnetwork.org/savings-groups-global-outreach-pages-20015.php> [accessed 15 February 2016].
Allen, H. and Panetta, D. (2010) Savings Groups: what are they? Washington, DC: The SEEP Network.
Ashe, J. and Neilan, K.J. (2014) In their Own Hands: how Savings Groups are Revolutionizing Development, Oakland, CA: Berrett-Koehler.
Boonyabanca, S. (2001) ‘Savings and loans: drawing lessons from some experiences in Asia’, Environment & Urbanization 13(2): 9–21 <http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/095624780101300202>.
Bouman, F.J.A. (1995) ‘Rotating and accumulating savings and credit associations: a development perspective’, World Development 23(3): 371–84.
Cameron, S. and Ananga, E. (no date) Savings Groups and Educational Investment, London: Plan UK.
Cameron, S. and Ananga, E.D. (2015) ‘Savings groups, livelihoods and education: two case studies in Ghana’, Journal of International Development 27(7): 1027–41 <http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/jid.3067>.
Deshpande, R. and Zimmerman, J. (2010) Youth Savings in Developing Countries: Trends in Practice, Gaps in Knowledge [pdf] <www.mastercardfdn.org/pdfs/YouthSavingsMay2010Web.pdf> [accessed 15 February 2016].
Gash, M. and Odell, K. (2013) The Evidence-based Story of Savings Groups: A Synthesis of Seven Randomized Trials, Arlington, VA: The SEEP Network.
Helmore, K. (2011) Tanzania: Linking Savings Groups to Mobile Banking. Access Africa Technical Learning Series: No. 2. Atlanta, Dar-Es-Salaam: CARE.
Hopkins, D. and Perdomo, M. (2011) Listening to Youth: Market Research to Design Financial and Non-Financial Services for Youth in Sub-Saharan Africa, New York: UN Capital Development Fund (UNCDF).
Johnson, L., Lee, Y., Ansong, D., Sherraden, M., Chowa, G., Ssewamala, F. M., Zou, L., Sherraden, M., Njenga, M., Kieyah, J., Osei-Akoto, I., Sharma, S., Manandhar, J., Rodriguez, C., Merchán, F. and Saavedra, J. (2015) Youth Savings Patterns and Performance in Colombia, Ghana, Kenya, and Nepal: YouthSave Research Report 2015, CSD Publication 15-01, St Louis, MO: Center for Social Development (CSD).
Karlan, D., Thuysbaert, B., Udry, C., Cupito, E., Naimpally, R., Salgado, E. and Savonitto, B. (2012) Impact Assessment of Youth Savings Groups: Findings of Three Randomized Evaluations of CARE Village Savings and Loan Associations Programs in Ghana, Malawi and Uganda, New Haven, CT: Innovations for Poverty Action.
Kimuyu, P.K. (1999) ‘Rotating savings and credit organizations in rural East Africa’, World Development 27(7): 1299–308.
Lowicki-Zucca, M., Walugembe, P., Ogaba, I. and Langol, S. (2014) ‘Savings groups as a socioeconomic strategy to improve protection of moderately and critically vulnerable children in Uganda’, Children and Youth Services Review 47: 176–81 <http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.childyouth.2014.08.011>.
Markel, E. and Panetta, D. (2014) Youth Savings Groups, Entrepreneurship and Employment [pdf], <www.careinternational.org.uk/linking-for-change/images/youth%20savings%20groups.pdf> [accessed 15 February 2016].
Mugambi, A., Njunge, C. and Yang, S.C. (2014) ‘Mobile-money benefits and usage: the case of M-PESA’, IT Professional 16(3): 16–21.
Plan International UK (2016) The Banking on Change Youth Savings Group Model, London: Barclays Bank PLC, Plan UK and CARE International UK.
Smith, W., Scott, L. and Shepherd, A. (2015) Financial Inclusion Policy Guide: Enhanced Resilience through Savings and Insurance via Linkages and Digital Technology, Policy Guide No. 6, London: Chronic Poverty Advisory Network (CPAN).
Wilson, K., Harper, M. and Griffith, M. (eds.) (2010) Financial Promise for the Poor: How Savings Groups Build Microsavings, Sterling, VA: Kumarian Press.
Zou, L., Tlapek, S., Njenga, G., Appiah, E., Opai-Tetteh, D. and Sherraden, M. (2015) ‘Facilitators and obstacles in youth saving: perspectives from Ghana and Kenya’, Global Social Welfare 2(2): 65–74 <http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s40609-015-0028-y>.
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