In partnership with Yamba Malawi, researchers conducted a randomized evaluation to test the impact of a Graduation-style program, integrating cash transfers, child health and business training, preventive health and fertility coaching, and village savings groups, on women’s livelihoods, empowerment, family planning decisions, and their children’s health in Malawi.

Researchers conducted a randomized evaluation with 9th graders’ parents in São Paulo to investigate whether weekly messages giving updates on a child’s attendance and effort, or messages emphasizing their importance, better motivated parents. Both types of messages led parents to ask more about school and encourage studying. Children’s attendance and learning also improved equally in both groups, showing that simple, importance-focused nudges can be just as effective and cheaper than updates on a specific child’s data.