A recent evaluation in Burkina Faso highlights the tangible impact of AUXFIN’s FinanceCoach application among smallholder farmers. The study, based on a survey with 258 G50 groups combined with in-depth interviews and field observations, examined the use, appreciation, and added value of FinanceCoach within the G50 groups.

The findings confirm that accessible, structured, and context-relevant digital financial education works.

High Appreciation for the FinanceCoach and Video-style Learning

The FinanceCoach is an application developed by AUXFIN to promote financial education and inclusion among rural populations in Burkina Faso, targeting farming households, women, young entrepreneurs, and members of AUXFIN’s G50 groups. It is designed specifically to be used in a rural environment: it functions offline, includes multiple local languages (French, Mooré and Dyula) and consists of videos explaining financial concepts adapted to the local context. 

The evaluation revealed the FinanceCoach is highly appreciated, with 98% of users reporting that it adds significant value to their personal lives. Usage is consistent, with 87% of groups engaging with the tool on a weekly basis, typically during group meetings where videos are watched and discussed collectively. 

Farmers consistently report that video-based learning is significantly more effective than oral explanations alone. 

“When you watch the video, you see the images; it sticks in your mind better than when someone just talks.”

The visual, practical nature of the FinanceCoach content enhances retention and facilitates real understanding more so in low-literacy contexts. The users love being able to repeat videos whenever and wherever they want. 

Across all groups, farmers emphasized how closely the examples in FinanceCoach mirror their lived reality.

“What they show in the videos is what we experience here.”

The majority of members stated that they had never received structured financial training before the FinanceCoach.

“Before FinanceCoach, no one had explained to us how to manage money.”

Even among leaders who had prior exposure to financial concepts, FinanceCoach added value by translating knowledge into practical application.

“I had already heard some things, but FinanceCoach helped me apply them.”

Strong Digital Uptake, Even in Rural Contexts

The evaluation has demonstrated that rural communities, when equipped with the right tools and guidance, are fully capable of engaging with digital learning platforms. Peer support mechanisms within the G50 group have ensured inclusivity, where proficient members actively assist others, so that no one is left behind. This structured peer-learning approach strengthens comprehension and reinforces ownership of the learning process.

Several success factors and barriers to learning emerged from the evaluation. A strong organization of the groups, stimulating a good-quality group discussion and promoting watching in-subgroups or individually all enhanced the learning process across the G50 group members. On the contrary, barriers such as a low understanding of one of the three languages, were also detected and resulted in a lower learning level. 

Behaviour Change

Most significantly, the use of the FinanceCoach has led to real behaviour change. Active users demonstrated tangible changes in their daily habits, such as adopting regular savings, reducing non-essential expenses, and transitioning to proactive financial management. These transitions represent a foundational step toward financial resilience.

However, it was found not all groups have already reached a level of significant behavioural change, influenced by the maturity of the G50 group, group organization and language.

Conclusion

The evaluation in Burkina Faso underscores the unique strength of AUXFIN’s FinanceCoach: a digitally enabled, visually engaging, and contextually grounded financial education tool that drives real behavioural transformation.

The FinanceCoach’s strongest differentiators is the combination of the digital format (having it close to you, being able to repeat whenever, wherever) and the relevance of the content. By combining technology, peer learning, and locally relevant content, the FinanceCoach is helping smallholder farmers move from financial uncertainty toward structured financial empowerment.