In the world of microfinance, a commitment to social mission is as critical as financial sustainability. However, simply providing a loan or a savings product does not guarantee a positive outcome for a client's life. To truly understand if an intervention is working and to ensure resources are used effectively, microfinance impact measurement is essential. This rigorous discipline moves beyond simply counting clients to systematically analyzing how financial services influence economic well-being, social empowerment, and resilience. It provides the evidence needed to prove a program's value, improve its design, and attract mission-driven funding.

This course is designed to equip microfinance and development professionals with the expertise to design, conduct, and interpret robust impact measurement studies. You will learn the difference between various methodologies, from basic social performance indicators to sophisticated experimental designs. By mastering the art of collecting reliable data and telling a compelling story with evidence, you will be able to demonstrate your organization's impact to investors, donors, and policymakers, ultimately strengthening your ability to create lasting change for clients and their communities.

Duration: 5 days

Target Audience:

• Microfinance institution (MFI) managers
• Social performance and impact officers
• Development and humanitarian aid practitioners
• Impact investors and fund managers
• Monitoring and evaluation specialists
• Researchers and academics
• Professionals in corporate social responsibility
• Policy advisors in financial inclusion
• Project managers for social development

Objectives:

• Master the core concepts and methodologies of microfinance impact measurement.
• Differentiate between impact measurement and social performance management.
• Understand the challenges and ethical considerations of impact measurement.
• Select the appropriate research methodology for a given program.
• Design and implement a robust data collection plan.
• Grasp the basics of both quantitative and qualitative data analysis.
• Interpret impact study findings and communicate them effectively.
• Understand the role of impact measurement in attracting funding.
• Learn from real-world examples of successful impact studies.
• Develop a strategic plan for integrating impact measurement into an organization.

Module 1: Foundations of Impact Measurement

• What is impact measurement and why is it important
• The difference between outputs, outcomes, and impact
• The counterfactual and the challenge of attribution
• The distinction between impact measurement and social performance management
• The business case for measuring impact

Module 2: Defining Impact and Indicators

• The importance of a clear Theory of Change
• Identifying a program's intended and unintended impacts
• Choosing relevant social and economic indicators
• Creating a logical framework and a results chain
• Aligning with global frameworks like the SDGs

Module 3: Quantitative Methodologies

• Introduction to quantitative research methods
• The power and limitations of Randomized Control Trials (RCTs)
• Understanding quasi-experimental designs (e.g., Difference-in-Differences)
• Using panel data and cross-sectional studies
• The importance of statistical significance

Module 4: Qualitative Methodologies

• The value of qualitative research for understanding client experience
• Conducting in-depth interviews and focus group discussions
• The role of ethnographic studies and field observation
• Using qualitative data to complement quantitative findings
• Ethical considerations in qualitative research

Module 5: Data Collection and Tools

• Designing a comprehensive survey instrument
• The use of digital tools for data collection (e.g., mobile phones, tablets)
• Ensuring data quality and validation
• The importance of a baseline survey
• Common challenges in data collection in the field

Module 6: Data Analysis and Interpretation

• Introduction to statistical analysis for impact data
• Basic data visualization techniques
• Analyzing both quantitative and qualitative data
• The importance of triangulating findings
• Drawing conclusions and formulating recommendations

Module 7: The Ethical Dimension

• The ethical obligations of a researcher
• Ensuring informed consent and participant privacy
• Minimizing harm and managing expectations
• The role of institutional review boards (IRBs)
• Addressing the power imbalance between researcher and participant

Module 8: Communicating Impact

• Tailoring the message for different audiences (donors, investors, clients)
• Telling a compelling story with data and client voices
• The use of reports, dashboards, and infographics
• Responding to criticism and negative findings
• Building a culture of transparency and learning

Module 9: Case Studies in Practice

• Analysis of a well-known RCT in microfinance
• A deep dive into a mixed-methods impact study
• Lessons learned from failed impact measurement projects
• Examples of micro-lending impact on poverty alleviation
• The role of microinsurance impact measurement

Module 10: Integrating Impact into Strategy

• Developing a strategic plan for impact measurement
• Allocating resources for M&E and research
• Using impact findings to improve program design
• The future of impact measurement in microfinance
• Leveraging impact data for attracting mission-driven capital

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 7 working days before commencement of the training.