SEEP Network Conducts Assessment of MCPI

MCPI is currently undergoing a rigorous evaluation process using the Network Capacity Assessment Tool (NCAT) developed by the SEEP Network.

SEEP's NCAT is the only existing tool specifically designed to assess the organizational capacity of microfinance networks. It can be used to determine a network's stage of development and the interventions needed to promote its development. The tool can also be used to establish a baseline measurement of network performance.

The NCAT assesses networks in six areas of effectiveness with clearly defined key indicators. The six areas are: Governance, Operations, Financial Viability, Human Resources, External Relations, and Service Delivery.

The uses of NCAT are:
1) to identify the strengths and weaknesses of a network at a given point in time;
2) to establish training, technical assistance, and other interventions to strengthen institutional capacity;
3) to provide a benchmark against which a network's organizational development in each area of effectiveness can be measured over time;
4) to help attract and inform donor giving, identifying areas to support and highlighting areas of progress.

The assessment involves gathering evidence through interviews, focus groups, surveys, documentation from a variety of sources to inform the scoring of the assessed network against the NCAT indicators. These sources include: network members, network board of trustees and staff, donor agencies, government agencies and network partner organizations.

MCPI underwent the NCAT process from early March to mid-April. In April, two representatives from the SEEP Network namely Diana Dezso and Kelly Hattel visited MCPI and conducted interviews of members, board members, staff and stakeholders. They also reviewed pertinent documents on MCPI. A debriefing meeting where board members and staff were present was conducted to discuss the preliminary results of the assessment. The final assessment report is expected to be ready by the end of May. The evaluation process on MCPI using the NCAT is part of the Citi-SEEP Network Strengthening Program.
 

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