This paper 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.
