Haiti: MFIs Respond to Earthquake

MFIs in Haiti have spurred into action in response to the devastating earthquake. Several microfinance organizations have launched special campaigns to raise donations that will be used to rehabilitate the victims. These organizations are expecting that their partners in Haiti will require substantial funds to help the victims get back to their feet.

A major earthquake struck southern Haiti on January 12, 2010, knocking down buildings and power lines and inflicting a catastrophe for the Western Hemisphere's poorest nation.

To donate please visit:

• ACCION International
• BRAC  (Be sure to check "I want my donation to go toward Haiti relief and rehabilitation efforts.")
• FINCA International 
• FONKOZE
• Freedom From Hunger
• Grameen Foundation
• WOCCU

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15 Jan 2010

Microfinance post disaster response

I have been a microfinance practitioner for the past 16 years but I must admit emergency operation and post disaster response was not part of my competency. However, when it happens a crash course and e-discussion helps in responding properly and "humanely". The recent tsunami that hit Samoa has brought a different meaning to microfinance. MFI's have the network and the ground knowledge to conduct rapid assessment however, their resources are limited (including our own staff whose family and relatives has been directly hit by the disaster. International aid organizations have the funding base and the resources to generate donations and funds to assist in the relief operation. What we have learned are: 1. Immediate response - relief distribution (assess the needs but ensure that your aid package pass nutritional and significant usage) and cash are very much appreciated by clients/borrowers 2. Medium term intervention example of this is the Cash for work projects that will infuse cash in the villages/area and will kickstart the economic activity. (MFI's can seek partnership with major aid organizations to implement this project) 3. Long term intervention - providing additional loan, loan restructuring or providing alternative livelihoods/ economic activities to clients There's no prescribed time frame to recover but the earlier an MFI can restore "normalcy" the better for the clients

Samoa

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