Project Brief

NABARD and GIZ engaged with Access Livelihoods Consulting (ALC) India to study the demand for financial & non-financial services as well as products which are required to enable SHG members to involve in stable and profitable livelihood activities and hence increase their income.

Project Description

The Rural Financial Institutions Program (RFIP) is jointly implemented by the GIZ, on behalf of the German Government and the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), on behalf of the Indian Government. The RFIP focuses on supporting the sustainable development of financial institutions which serve farmers and rural households, and contribute to the financial inclusion of the poorer segments of the population.

Despite the presence of large number of financial institutions, financial services and products, required to support the livelihoods opportunities of marginalized people, are not available to most SHGs and their members in rural India. Also, non-financial services are often demanded by SHG members in order to engage more effectively in income-generating livelihood activities.