SmartAid 2009
The SmartAid for Microfinance Index measures and rates whether funders are set up to support microfinance effectively. Building on the premise that effective policies and practices are a necessary, although not sufficient, condition for successful programs and investments, SmartAid analyzes funders’ systems along five areas of effectiveness.
Highlights of Results from SmartAid 2009
A total of 11 funders participated in SmartAid 2009: AECID, AFD, AFDB, EC, GTZ, IFAD, IFC, ILO, MIF, SDC, and UNCDF. All funders receive a report that includes a snapshot of their portfolio, their strengths and weaknesses, a good practice highlight, and a score.
Average performance was highest on indicators related to funders' strategic clarity and appropriate instruments (indicators 1 and 9) and lowest on most of the indicators of accountability (indicators, 5, 6 and 7). It seems that funders’ strategies increasingly reflect good practices, but it is much harder to build the necessary systems to underpin the implementation of the strategies.
Funders’ results were distributed into three of the five categories of performance: good, partially adequate and weak. Overall, no funder was in either of the extreme categories of very good or inadequate.
The 2009 SmartAid results will serve as the baseline year for the Index. As such, there is no trend analysis in this year’s results.
What do funders say about their experience with SmartAid?
Rodney Cooke, Director Technical Advisory Division, IFAD: "It is clear that the assessment of our internal management system, policies and procedures and [CGAP’s] detailed recommendations will help us focus on the key areas that need improvement, building on our strengths and comparative advantage."
David Morrison, Executive Secretary, UNCDF: "The process of participating in the SmartAid Index continues to provide a significant learning opportunity for the entire organization, from senior management to regional advisors and country-based staff."
Martin Dahinden, Director General, SDC: "[CGAP’s] specific suggestions are thoughtful and useful for SDC too. I will make sure that they will be taken into consideration in the ongoing comprehensive reorganization and institutional change process of SDC which aims at improving effectiveness and efficiency of SDC’s work in partner countries."
Are you a microfinance funder? Interested in signing up for the next round? Contact the SmartAid Team.
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