Preliminary Evidence that Integrated Financial and Educational Services Can be Effective Against Hunger and Malnutrition

Reports the preliminary research results by Freedom from Hunger and other researchers.

Most of the data reported here comes from a study of the credit-cum-education program in Thailand, but comparable data from programs in Honduras and Mali are also presented.

There appears to be evidence that the hypothesised "benefit process" was already operating to reduce hunger and malnutrition.

Relative to the comparison group, the women in the program are undertaking more diversified economic strategies and contributing more to the households' economic well-being.

It is also clear that nutrition and health education can be effective in the context of a credit and savings program that bring women together regularly in groups that share a sense of mutual responsibility.

Referring to the "benefit process" diagram, the hypothesised "intermediate benefits" seem to have been realised to some extent by the program participants, probably due to their participation.