Abstract This report presents the baseline survey for a study of the impact of microfinance services offered by Alalay sa Kaunlaran sa Gitnang Luzon, Inc (ASKI). ASKI is a microfinance institution based in Cabanatuan City in the Philippines, and is a member of the BWTP Network. The baseline survey is the first step in a longitudinal process. There have been comparatively few studies in the Philippines of the impact of microfinance on poor clients. Moreover, in the Philippines as elsewhere, very few studies have featured a longitudinal design which commences with the careful collection of baseline data concerning the target population. This study is designed to address that gap. The report sets out in detail the research design for the study. The dependent variables, which are to be measured over time to indicate impact, cover matters such as income, expenditure, assets, land and housing, level of economic activity, saving and borrowing behaviour, role in household decision-making, and participation in community activities. There are also a number of contextual variables covering matters such as age and educational attainment, to enable an assessment of the impact of microfinance on different types of clients. A sample of 420 persons was used, consisting of 150 clients, an on-site comparison group of 120, and an off-site comparison group of 150. A detailed profile of female microentrepreneurs in Cabanatuan City is presented, based on the results of the baseline survey conducted in May-June 1997. Most operated their microenterprises from home, and provided self-employment and employment for family members rather than wage employment. Trading was the predominant form of activity. Average net take-home pay from the microenterprises ranged from Ps3,550 to Ps 4,940 (US$135 to$189) per month. Statistical tests showed that the three groups were statistically similar. Only seven of the forty variables were significantly different at both the 5 per cent and I per cent level of significance, comprising two contextual variables and five impact variables. The report recommends that a follow-up survey be conducted around 24 months after the initial interview, in May-June 1999. |
