Publication database

Are inclusive businesses reaching scale? What scale is that, in terms of revenue and reach? How many fail? This Spotlight draws on evidence from three portfolios, that have in total supported 160 companies, to share information on what patterns emerge from a combined data set.

This case study showcases the Juhudi Kilimo business which provides asset financing and technical assistance to smallholder farmers throughout Kenya and aims to increase the incomes of the farmers by 50 percent. It outlines how the model works, the business and development impacts to date, and the key success factors.

Across the world, insurers have shifted away from traditional agents and brokers to partner with various alternative distribution channels – ranging from churches, trade unions and mobile network operators to banks, retailers and even civil service organizations - as a way of reaching critical mass at low cost. This study examines two of these channels – banking and retail correspondents – studying four examples in four countries.

The paper reviews the pilot experiments conducted from 2011 onwards in eight districts across six states to test the provision of outpatient (OP) benefits under RSBY, India’s Social Health Insurance Scheme for low income populations. Administrative data on enrolment, empanelment of care providers and outpatient claims was analysed for the review. The paper also discusses the status of primary care in India and outpatient care provision in similar schemes in other developing nations (Vietnam, Ghana, Indonesia, Philippines and Thailand).

The report presents a Value Chain Analysis (VCA) of three commodities; tomato, onion and Irish potato, in the Jenda area of Mzimba District, in Malawi. The VCA tool examines the mechanisms and drivers which control the mode by which a product reaches its end market and it gives an understanding of how to improve the competitiveness of the chain whilst increasing participation in a manner that fairly distributes value down the chain.

This case study looks at SABMiller’s initiative “4e, Camino al Progreso” which aims to improve the quality of life of the “tenderos” (community references and opinion leaders) by offering business training and outreach to 'tender' communities. It describes the company's “4e methodology” strategy which has 4 stages and 3 components where FUNDES carries out the training for Tenderos in six countries; and it outlines the results and lessons learned from the programme.

This case study explains how Notore and Springfield Agro have managed to sell a high quality fertiliser that is more affordable, available and acceptable to poor farmers, with the support of the UK aid-funded Propcom programmes. It discusses the challenges faced by these firms, as they respond to rural consumers’ needs amidst changing market conditions, which are also described.

The potential size of the global micro reinsurance market is estimated somewhere between US$6 billion and US$12 billion in ceded premium. An untapped market of this size warrants significant attention from the reinsurance community, given downward global trends in commercial reinsurance and other pressures on top-line growth. 

In the last decade, some insurance associations (IAs) have expanded beyond their traditional core functions to develop insurance consumer education (ICE) programmes.  IAs, as the representatives of the industry are well-positioned and ideally suited to invest in ICE. By investing in ICE they not only promote consumer protection but they also contribute in improving the reputation of the industry. Excerpted from Microinsurance Paper no. 31, this brief summarises steps that the IAs should take during the preparation of an ICE.

Delivering insurance to the poor is a formidable task. Insurers must reach people who do not come into contact with their usual sales channels, at low cost and in large numbers. To be successful, they must answer three critical questions: How can I make most of the distribution channel? What can I do for the distribution channel? Is the channel right for my target market?