Towards understanding the rural financial ecosystem in Ethiopia: perspective from case study

Previous studies concerned with mobile financial services for the poor have been narrowly conceived, mainly depending on secondary data and focusing on technical design issues without having fully understood individuals' complex relationships and money practices. In order to contribute to this knowledge gap and inform mobile money system design, an exploratory case study investigated social relationships and social payment practices among rural individuals in Ethiopia. Key findings regarding their money exchange practices include: (1) secrecy and disclosure of money exchange practices (2) acceptance and or rejection of money gift for some reasons, (3) personalize money giving and accepting practices, and finally (4) separating and labeling of money based on its purpose and source. A qualitative exploratory research approach with key informant focus group discussions served as the primary means of information gathering.