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Contributions of experimental approaches to development and poverty alleviation: Field experiments and humanitarian assistance

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  • Quattrochi, John
  • Aker, Jenny C.
  • van der Windt, Peter
  • Voors, Maarten

Abstract

The work of Nobel Laureates Banerjee, Duflo and Kremer has centered around the use of randomized control trials to help solve development problems. To date, however, few field experiments have been undertaken to evaluate the effects of humanitarian assistance. The reasons may lie in challenges related to logistics, fragility, security and ethics that often loom large in humanitarian settings. Yet every year, billions of dollars are spent on humanitarian aid, and policymakers are in need of rigorous evidence. In this paper, we reflect on the opportunities and risks of running experiments in humanitarian settings, and provide, as illustration, insights from our experiences with recent field experiments of large-scale humanitarian aid programs in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Suggested Citation

  • Quattrochi, John & Aker, Jenny C. & van der Windt, Peter & Voors, Maarten, 2020. "Contributions of experimental approaches to development and poverty alleviation: Field experiments and humanitarian assistance," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 127(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:wdevel:v:127:y:2020:i:c:s0305750x19304796
    DOI: 10.1016/j.worlddev.2019.104830
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Hidrobo, Melissa & Hoddinott, John & Peterman, Amber & Margolies, Amy & Moreira, Vanessa, 2014. "Cash, food, or vouchers? Evidence from a randomized experiment in northern Ecuador," Journal of Development Economics, Elsevier, vol. 107(C), pages 144-156.
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    3. Jenny C. Aker, 2017. "Comparing Cash and Voucher Transfers in a Humanitarian Context: Evidence from the Democratic Republic of Congo," The World Bank Economic Review, World Bank, vol. 31(1), pages 44-70.
    4. Jenny C. Aker & Rachid Boumnijel & Amanda McClelland & Niall Tierney, 2016. "Payment Mechanisms and Antipoverty Programs: Evidence from a Mobile Money Cash Transfer Experiment in Niger," Economic Development and Cultural Change, University of Chicago Press, vol. 65(1), pages 1-37.
    5. Shannon Doocy & Hannah Tappis, 2017. "Cash‐based approaches in humanitarian emergencies: a systematic review," Campbell Systematic Reviews, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 13(1), pages 1-200.
    6. John Hoddinott & Susanna Sandström & Joanna Upton, 2018. "The Impact of Cash and Food Transfers: Evidence from a Randomized Intervention in Niger," American Journal of Agricultural Economics, Agricultural and Applied Economics Association, vol. 100(4), pages 1032-1049.
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    Cited by:

    1. Koppenberg, Maximilian & Mishra, Ashok K. & Hirsch, Stefan, 2023. "Food aid and violent conflict: A review and Empiricist’s companion," Food Policy, Elsevier, vol. 121(C).
    2. Kurdi, Sikandra, 2021. "The nutritional benefits of cash transfers in humanitarian crises: evidence from Yemen," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 148(C).
    3. Altındağ, Onur & O’Connell, Stephen D., 2023. "The short-lived effects of unconditional cash transfers to refugees," Journal of Development Economics, Elsevier, vol. 160(C).

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