Delivering Microfinance and Social Services in Conditions of Fragility in Nepal

 This study documents strategies that MFIs, NGOs and private businesses use to deliver financial and non-financial goods and services to people affected by the Maoist insurgency in Nepal. Drawing several lessons for wider application by relief and development organizations, local governments, donors and local NGOs and community organizations, the case study highlights:

• Benefits of engaging communities and direct beneficiaries in project activities;
• Need for innovative design and delivery of services under fragile conditions;
• Value of partnering with private sector;
• Use of local NGOs and community organizations to deliver services;
• Definition of the role of government agencies.

The study is based on interviews with service providers and beneficiaries from two districts in Nepal. It discusses restrictions imposed by Maoist rebels and government security forces on service providers' operations, impact of conflict on service providers and their beneficiaries, and coping mechanisms that service providers developed in response to the situation.