Rural Banks Can Reduce Poverty: Experimental Evidence from 870 Indian Villages - Daily Consumption Survey

For more than one decFor more than one decade, researchers have worked with Kshetriya Gramin Financial Services (KGFS) on a large-scale experimental evaluation of the impact of improved access to formal financial services for rural populations. The team used a randomized controlled trial running from 2009 to 2016 to analyze the impact of services from an innovative rural bank in India that founded its operations on a new set of principles: broad geographical distribution, a low banker-to-client ratio, and a wide variety of products offered, including savings and insurance. The researchers measured impacts on poverty reduction, entrepreneurship, social networks, health, agricultural investments, and female empowerment.

The consumption survey aims to capture respondents' income and expenditure flows and consists of three main components: First Visit Survey, Phone Follow Up Survey and End Call Survey. Households were administered the first visit survey and assigned to follow-up surveys if consent was obtained from the head of the household and the spouse. In total, 15 follow up surveys are administered over a period of 30 days and concluded by an end call survey.