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Randomizing the Last Mile: a methodological note on using voucher-based approach to assess the impact of infrastructure projects

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  • Tanguy Bernard

    (GREThA - Groupe de Recherche en Economie Théorique et Appliquée - UB - Université de Bordeaux - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique)

  • Maximo Torero

Abstract

This methodological note discusses the potential and limits of using voucher-based experiments to randomly evaluate the micro-level impact of infrastructures on households' well-being. We argue that such methods are policy relevant, statistically robust, and ethically correct. A number of conditions regarding the vouchers' design and level, as well as allocation methods and household sampling, must be taken into account, however. We illustrate the discussion with an ongoing voucher-based impact evaluation of a rural electrification program in Ethiopia.
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Suggested Citation

  • Tanguy Bernard & Maximo Torero, 2019. "Randomizing the Last Mile: a methodological note on using voucher-based approach to assess the impact of infrastructure projects," Working Papers hal-02146223, HAL.
    • Handle: RePEc:hal:wpaper:hal-02146223
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    Cited by:

    1. Tanguy Bernard & Maximo Torero, 2015. "Social Interaction Effects and Connection to Electricity: Experimental Evidence from Rural Ethiopia," Economic Development and Cultural Change, University of Chicago Press, vol. 63(3), pages 459-484.
    2. Torero, Maximo, 2014. "The Impact of Rural Electrification," MPRA Paper 61425, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    3. Maximiliane SIEVERT & Jorg PETERS, 2017. "The Impact of Rural Electrification Challenges and Ways Forward," Working Paper 2f9349f5-6cb3-424d-9bc2-a, Agence française de développement.

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