Financial inclusion in Colombia. Impact evaluation of the Community Savings and Credit Groups Program. Cuadernos de Economía

Abstract

The study evaluates the impacts of the Village Savings and Loan Associations program, in Colombia. Using a non-experimental methodology, it compares the situation of families that participate and do not participate in the program 18 months after their exposure. Results show a greater capacity to accumulate savings, a decrease in food insecurity and a better capacity to face and mitigate unexpected shocks, among those families that participated in the program. It also finds an increase in community income-generating activities and an increased level of trust in people and a variety of institutions.