Mobile money, although promising, has faced significant obstacles in rural areas of Niger. To understand these challenges and identify appropriate solutions, Sofrecom, in partnership with Omedia and IGNFI, conducted a comprehensive study commissioned by the Smart Villages for Digital Inclusion Project, funded by the World Bank. This five-month mission, carried out in 2021, aimed to provide an overview of the supply and demand for mobile money, particularly in rural areas of Niger.
Project objectives
The main objectives of this project were
- Provide an overview of the supply and demand for mobile money in rural areas of Niger.
- Identify ways to promote adoption and stimulate usage of mobile money.
- Understand the specific needs of rural users, women, and certain agricultural value chains.
Detailed Methodology
To achieve these objectives, a rigorous and comprehensive methodology was adopted, including several components
1. Service supply study : Interviews with sector stakeholders: Approximately 25 interviews were conducted with key mobile money sector stakeholders. These interviews provided valuable insights into existing services, challenges faced, and opportunities for improvement.
2. Quantitative & qualitative demand study :
- A quantitative survey was conducted with 1056 respondents in rural areas. This survey collected data on current usage of mobile money, barriers to adoption, and specific user needs.
- 16 focus groups were organized with clients and agents. These discussions provided in-depth insights into the perceptions, expectations, and experiences of mobile money users.
3. Agricultural sector needs study : Interviews with agricultural stakeholders: Approximately 25 interviews were conducted with producers, cooperatives, counters, and other agricultural sector stakeholders. The objective was to understand how mobile money could address the specific needs of this sector, particularly in terms of digitizing upstream credit and downstream payments.
4. Co-creation of recommendations: A workshop was organized with stakeholders to co-create recommendations. These recommendations were aimed at both market actors, for improving service offerings, and the public sector, for strengthening market infrastructure.
Client Benefits
Sofrecom's support brought several significant benefits to the client
1. In-depth understanding of needs : Through a mixed methodology (quantitative and qualitative), the study provided a deep understanding of the needs of rural users, women, and agricultural sector stakeholders. This understanding is essential for developing tailored and effective solutions.
2. Identification of obstacles and opportunities : The study identified key obstacles to mobile money adoption, such as inappropriate positioning, inclusive distribution models, and service point failures. At the same time, it highlighted opportunities to improve service offerings and stimulate mobile money usage.
3. Practical and applicable recommendations : The co-created recommendations from the workshop are directly applicable and practical. They offer concrete avenues for improving service offerings and strengthening market infrastructure, which is crucial for promoting mobile money adoption in rural areas.
4. Capacity building of stakeholders : Involving stakeholders throughout the mission helped strengthen their capacities. They are now better equipped to understand user needs and develop tailored solutions.
5. Positive impact on the agricultural sector : By specifically addressing the needs of the agricultural sector, the study has the potential to transform this key sector of the rural economy. Digitizing credit and payments can improve efficiency, transparency, and financial inclusion for agricultural stakeholders.
Sofrecom's support mission provided valuable insights and practical recommendations to promote mobile money adoption in rural areas of Niger. Through a rigorous methodology and collaborative approach, this study has laid the foundation for significant improvements in mobile money service offerings and market infrastructure strengthening.
