Field Experiments and Humanitarian Assistance

5 Pages Posted: 10 Feb 2020

See all articles by John Quattrochi

John Quattrochi

Georgetown University

Jenny C. Aker

Tufts University - The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy; Center for Global Development

Peter Van der Windt

New York University (NYU) - New York University, Abu Dhabi

Maarten Voors

Wageningen University and Research (WUR)

Date Written: November 28, 2019

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.

Keywords: Cash Transfers, Congo, Field Experiments, Humanitarian Assistance, RCT

JEL Classification: C93

Suggested Citation

Quattrochi, John and Aker, Jenny C. and Van der Windt, Peter and Voors, Maarten, Field Experiments and Humanitarian Assistance (November 28, 2019). Forthcoming in World Development, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3520439

John Quattrochi (Contact Author)

Georgetown University ( email )

Jenny C. Aker

Tufts University - The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy ( email )

Medford, MA 02155
United States

Center for Global Development ( email )

2055 L St. NW
5th floor
Washington, DC 20036
United States

Peter Van der Windt

New York University (NYU) - New York University, Abu Dhabi ( email )

Abu Dhabi
United Arab Emirates

Maarten Voors

Wageningen University and Research (WUR) ( email )

Hollandseweg 1
Wageningen, 6706KN
Netherlands

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