How and why do the poor save? Determinants of saving behaviour of rural poor

This study examined the savings behaviour of rural poor with a focus on the motives of saving and preferred savings mechanisms. One of the major causes of financial distress in lower income groups especially in developing countries has been lack of sustainable saving. The existing literature has mainly focused on the saving capacities of rural poor which is inadequate in explaining the saving behaviour. Building on the existing theories a more systematic view on savings motives and mechanisms preferred by this segment is presented in this research. The results revealed that the poor do not save for a goal and the only motive which significantly increases the likelihood of saving is to reduce the need for credit. Creating a corpus for medical exigencies was a major motive for informal saving. Providing a basic sustenance financial foundation for children was found to be a major motive for saving and this probably is a new finding which needs further research. This research has important implications for policymakers and financial professionals in formulating recommendations or developing financial, business plans.