Microfinance partnerships to improve access to durable water filters: results from six pilots in India and Cambodia

Type Journal Article - Journal of Water Sanitation and Hygiene for Development
Title Microfinance partnerships to improve access to durable water filters: results from six pilots in India and Cambodia
Author(s)
Volume 4
Issue 4
Publication (Day/Month/Year) 2014
Page numbers 699-708
URL http://washdev.iwaponline.com/content/4/4/699
Abstract
PATH collaborated with manufacturers and microfinance institutions (MFIs) in India and Cambodia to test the impact of consumer finance models on uptake and use of household water filters. Six pilots were implemented using different filters, partners, and loan plans. The pilots predominantly reached households from the middle three country-specific wealth quintiles. Purchase rates ranged from 5 to 44% among MFI members and increased with household wealth quintile. Cost recovery for the pilots ranged from 33 to 109%. The results suggest that MFI loans can have the potential, in certain contexts, to provide an effective and commercially sustainable means of increasing uptake of water treatment solutions for MFI member households.

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