Evidence on Self Help Groups as Development Intermediaries in South Asia and Africa
An evidence review studied 46 high quality evaluations of interventions delivered through SHGs in South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. Gugerty et al. (2019) organized their review by the categories of outcomes targeted by SHG interventions: maternal, newborn and child health (MNCH), reproductive health and HIV/AIDS, savings and finance outcomes, agricultural outcomes and empowerment. Though the impacts of SHG-based interventions were generally positive, the evidence base was limited and did not generally test whether alternative delivery mechanisms might be more effective. Maternal, newborn and child health (MNCH) had the strongest evidence base and there were strong associations between SHGs and improved MNCH practices. The evidence was also positive for maternal health and infant and child mortality and morbidity outcomes, though the evidence base was more limited. Peer effects from group participation might be particularly helpful in supporting changes in norms and practices. Group interventions do appear to be effective for changing attitudes about and knowledge of reproductive health issues, including contraceptive use, risky sexual behavior and knowledge of family planning services and methods, but evidence measuring actual behavior change is limited. These positive or encouraging trends were also found for agricultural outcomes and empowerment. Participation in SHGs is positively associated with savings levels, access to credit and asset ownership, but the studies show no clear effects on income or overall welfare.