Evaluations

Policy Publications

Search our database of policy briefcases, bulletins, and evidence reviews. Briefcases summarize the results and policy recommendations from one randomized evaluation, while bulletins synthesize the broader policy lessons emerging from multiple evaluations on the same topic. Evidence reviews summarize an existing academic literature review, like a handbook chapter or white paper, for a policy audience.

Displaying 1-9 of 100
Training with public servants from the Women’s Secretariat from Mexico City

Evidence on Labor Market Policies and Implications for Brazil: Business Training

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Last Updated:
July 17, 2026
Business training can foster business creation and increase the income of entrepreneurs. However, in Brazil and other countries in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), many programs face implementation challenges and do not show consistent results in terms of business growth, survival, or job...
Group of people standing in a store

Policy Brief: Evaluation of a Graduation Bundle for Households Experiencing Ultra-Poverty in Egypt

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Last Updated:
July 15, 2026
In 2019, nearly one in every three Egyptians lived below the poverty line, with more than four million people experiencing extreme poverty. J-PAL MENA has been evaluating a promising program that is focused on improving the lives of those experiencing poverty.
A group of women pose in a warehouse wearing neon vests

Promoting Labour Market Inclusion: Evidence from the Inclusion Policy Lab in Spain and Across Europe

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Last Updated:
June 2, 2026
This report reviews the evidence on labour market inclusion programs generated by the Inclusion Policy Lab (the Lab) and places it in context alongside broader evidence from randomized evaluations of labour market policies across Europe.
Row of houses in North America

Policy Brief: Emergency Financial Assistance (EFA) programs in North America

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Last Updated:
May 13, 2026
Housing instability, which can encompass difficulty paying rent, frequent moves, overcrowding, and eviction, impacts the health and well-being of millions of US households. Eviction, in particular, has been found to reduce earnings and lead to higher rates of homelessness and hospitalization.
A woman teaches a class of young children in a nursery.

Childcare subsidies and employment services in Egypt

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Last Updated:
April 21, 2026
Women’s employment in Egypt remains among the lowest globally, constrained by disproportionate caregiving responsibilities, limited job opportunities that match women’s preferences, and restrictive gender norms.
A man working, observing several heat pumps in a street

Reviewing the Impact and Cost-Effectiveness of Local Climate Action within the United States

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Last Updated:
February 26, 2026
As state and local jurisdictions drive climate action in the United States, rigorous evidence is crucial to identify the most effective solutions. This policy publication synthesizes key policy insights on regional Climate Action Plans & presents gaps in the evidence base.
A worker in a hard hat and yellow vest observes heat pumps on the rooftop of a building with solar paneling on a roof in the background.

Reviewing the Impact and Cost-Effectiveness for Local Climate Action within the United States: A Literature Review

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Last Updated:
February 25, 2026
This literature review, developed by researchers in the J-PAL network, is a comprehensive resource that synthesizes the results of 161 rigorous evaluations of climate actions conducted in high-income countries after 2000. The review categorizes climate actions into five main areas: Energy...
Row of houses in North America

Policy Brief: Housing First Programs in North America

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Last Updated:
October 27, 2025
Research shows that providing housing without preconditions to people experiencing homelessness, also known as Housing First, keeps them stably housed and reduces future returns to homelessness.
2025 elections in Thailand (Koh Samui)

Evidence on Fostering Fair, Inclusive & Nonviolent Elections: GCCI Evidence Review

Last Updated:
Last Updated:
October 30, 2025
As we reflect back on a record-setting year for elections and look ahead to future polls, how can we use research to identify interventions that governments, international partners, and NGOs can implement to strengthen the quality of elections? In this brief, we provide an overview of the (quasi-...