A Cost Benefit Analysis of Self Help Groups in Ethiopia
A cost-benefit analysis of Tearfund’s SHGs in Ethiopia found SHGs to be high impact and low cost, with a benefit-to-cost ratio ranging from 58:1 to 173:1. The returns on donor investment were high. SHG expansion was organic and scaled quickly. SHG members reported many social benefits, as well as increased asset accumulation, food security, and environmental awareness. The model has the potential to benefit women and girls and reduce religious and ethnic tensions.