Report on Focus Groups on Remittances
Summary — This report summarizes findings from focus groups in Haiti's Sud department regarding remittance practices. The study, part of the Greenback Initiative, explores experiences with receiving and sending funds, financial service usage, and strategies for handling expenses and emergencies among low-income Haitians.
Key Findings
- Consumers are generally aware of the costs and quality of financial services.
- International remittances primarily come from the United States and Canada.
- Mon Cash is the most frequently used service for domestic transfers.
- Remittances play a significant role in the well-being and economic development of the population.
- There are weaknesses in service quality and information transparency.
Full Description
This report presents the results of focus group discussions conducted in the Sud department of Haiti as part of the Greenback Initiative. The initiative aims to improve the efficiency of the remittance market and reduce the costs of international and domestic transfers. The focus groups explored Haitian experiences with receiving and sending funds, usage of financial services, and strategies for savings and handling emergencies. The discussions revealed insights into the economic activities of participants, their access to financial services, and their perceptions of the costs and transparency of remittance services. The report also highlights weaknesses in financial planning and investment practices among participants.