Search our database of 1178 randomized evaluations conducted by our affiliates in 95 countries. To browse summaries of key policy recommendations from a subset of these evaluations, visit the Policy Publications tab.

Displaying 1-8 of 153

Mitigating the Economic and Mental Health Impacts of Covid-19 in India

The Covid-19 pandemic has affected health systems and economies across the world. Low-income communities have experienced particularly detrimental impacts, as a lack of financial stability further exacerbated augment the crisis. In partnership with the mental health care center SCARF, researchers...

The Miracle of Microfinance? Evidence from a Randomized Evaluation

Researchers evaluated the impact of increased access to microcredit on the economic and social well-being of women and their families in Hyderabad, India. They found that microcredit had mixed effects on business activities and little to no effect on women’s empowerment or children’s education.

Improving Governance Through Biometric Authentication and Secure Payments: Evaluating the AP Smarcard Program

In India, a biometrically authenticated payment system reduced corruption and substantially improved the delivery of government social assistance programs despite partial implementation.

Targeting the Ultra Poor

Nathanael Goldberg
Jeremy Shapiro
Bram Thuysbaert
Garima Sharma
In India, researchers partnered with Bandhan Konnagar to evaluate the impact of a multi-faceted livelihoods program known as the Graduation approach, which aims to encourage occupational change among people living in extreme poverty. The Graduation approach had large and positive effects on economic...

Calling for Health: Can Mobiles Phones Increase the Access to, and Delivery of, Public Health and Nutrition Programs

Giorgia Barboni
Charity Troyer Moore
Researchers are conducting a randomized evaluation to test whether a phone-based information service can increase take-up of India’s maternity cash transfer programs, and whether phone-based feedback can improve local-level program functioning and child health. Research ongoing; Results forthcoming...

Pricing of Private Education in Urban India

Priya Mukherjee
Researchers conducted a randomized evaluation to measure the demand for private tutoring services, estimate how pricing can influence take-up and enrollment in these services, and examine how enrollment and performance differs by gender and age. Researchers found that demand for tutoring services...