This paper is based on an analysis of five case studies and explores potential benefits and barriers to horizontal networking for microfinance impact assessment. The five case studies are of individual organisations, involved in collaborative impact assessment.
* ODEF and Covelo in Honduras;
* Finrural in Bolivia;
* CARD and the Microfinance Centre of the Philippines (MFCP);
* Microfinance Centre (MFC) in Poland;
* PROMUC in Peru.
The analysis shows that the following factors can help collaborative impact assessment:
* Agreement and understanding of the impact assessment work among all collaborators;
* Capable, dynamic and fully transparent facilitating network;
* Carefully planning the assessment efforts;
* Ensuring good teamwork;
* Setting realistic timing and achievable targets.
The paper finally states that donors and global affiliates should be willing to accommodate and support horizontal networking of this kind, for the success of impact assessment.
