Kosovo Case Study: Linkages between Microfinance and Other Livelihood Programs
This paper presents two case studies from Kosovo that demonstrate how short-term, quick impact programs can be linked with long-term economic recovery needs. The first case describes a training program targeting marginalized communities. The International Center for Community and Enterprise Development, a locally-registered organization established by the Kosovo Enterprise Program (KEP), offered a series of training courses targeted at returning and receiving communities in Kosovo. The program highlights the need for training as a key solution to overcome lack of credit worthiness by marginalized groups and the use of inter-ethnic formats for training. The second case study describes how a stand-alone income generation program (IGP), managed by the Danish Refugee Council, merged with an MFI (KEP) to ensure sustainability and future growth. Lessons learned from the merger include:
- Continued access to financial services is important for achieving impact;
- IGPs can be designed with an exit strategy allowing them to lead into more sustainable access to financial services;
- Vulnerable individuals may need continued social services;
- Shared vision is essential for a successful linkage model.