Group Borrowing : Microfinance-Tontine Sustainable Co-Existence. Case Of Cameroon

This paper uses a case study approach to examine the role of group account in Microfinance institutions on tontine's survival. The research investigates on the origin of funds deposited in group accounts, and its importance to group members. The collection of respondents’ perceptions will contribution to promote digital-group account – accessible both on apps and handset – for the group’s benefit. We interviewed ten participants coming from the critical stakeholders of rural finance in the community of Balessing in the west region of Cameroon. We performed a textual and content analysis of the qualitative data collected. The results showed that group accounts contribute to the financial, managerial and social development of tontine group – factors indispensable for strong cohesion and group survival. Moreover, group accounts also benefit microfinance institutions by contributing to their growth and development. From the results mentioned above, we made recommendations to consolidation the link between microfinance institutions and tontine groups through group accounts.