A critical appraisal of the extent and nature of the financial services needs of the poor: the case of Kibaha district, Coast region

This study sought to critically appraise the extent and nature of the financial services needs of the poor. It tried to find out any opportunities to improve and innovate in financial services. The study concentrated on examining what financial services providers need to know in order to design and deliver better financial products to the poor to cater for short, medium and long-term needs, and the delivered in ways which are convenient, appropriate, safe and affordable. The researcher used both primary and secondary data sources. Primary data was collected through structured interviews with selected households and discussion with special groups at Kibaha district. Secondary data sources included officials’ report of the MFIs, and District Council Authority, National microfinance policy, internet searches, and research reports. The research findings have suggested that the poor have a variety of financial needs that financial services providers need to know to design and deliver better financial products to the poor to cater for short, medium and long term needs, and they need to be delivered in ways which are convenient, appropriate, safe and affordable. Their financial needs are not only credit facility but also include a range of other services such as; saving reliability, conformability, convenience, affordability and insurance.