Social Finance Working Paper #31: The demand for risk-managing financial services in low-income communities

Evidence from Zambia

Based on a survey of 275 clients of a microfinance institution (MFI) in Lusaka. Analyses the economic stresses to which low-income entrepreneurs are vulnerable, examines their coping strategies and assesses the potential demand for microinsurance and other risk-managing financial services such as savings and emergency loans. Discusses the implications for MFIs.