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News, ideas, and analysis from J-PAL staff and affiliated professors. Subscribe to our newsletter to receive monthly email updates.

Esther Duflo, J-PAL co-founder and director and professor at MIT, with Julie Cobill, ESG and corporate partnerships lead at J-PAL, during the keynote dialogue session.

The private sector’s role in worker well-being, sustainability, and inclusive growth: Reflections from researchers and businesses

What is the role of the private sector in improving the lives and livelihood conditions of workers in lower- and middle-income countries (LMICs)? How can we empower LMIC-based entrepreneurs to develop successful and sustainable businesses? And what are the potential benefits for businesses from...
A man waters his crops.

Using insurance and climate-smart technologies to help farmers cope with weather-based risk

An urgent policy priority, both to increase farmers’ own productivity and profits and to contribute to stabilizing food security throughout these regions, is to provide accessible forms of risk protection. J-PAL’s updated Policy Insight reviews 23 randomized evaluations on common interventions...

Graduation approach: Updated insights and best practices at scale

Recently, J-PAL updated its Policy Insight on the Graduation approach, in addition to a guide outlining key lessons from the large-scale adaptation of the graduation program, Satat Jeevikoparjan Yojana (SJY) by the State Government of Bihar in India.
J-PAL Africa presenting at a workshop with the Western Cape Government

Shukuma in South African schools: Fostering strong partnerships to address violence in the Western Cape

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In 2019, representatives from the Western Cape Government’s Department of the Premier's Office attended J-PAL Africa’s Evaluating Social Programs (ESP) course in Cape Town to learn more about how evidence from randomized evaluations can inform program design and implementation. During ESP...
Young Indian farmer digging in the field in front of sprinklers, at sunset

J-PAL South Asia and Community Jameel reaffirm their commitment to increase clean air and water access with the launch of SARWA

Two of the most fundamental necessities for human survival are under stress today: clean air and water. To fight this pressing problem, J-PAL, with Community Jameel, has launched the Air and Water Labs with government partners in Africa, MENA, and South Asia. Together, these labs aim to improve...
Local farmers work in rice fields in Lombok, Indonesia.

Tailoring information to increase technology adoption among farmers

J-PAL’s updated Policy Insight reviews strategies to improve information dissemination to help farmers make optimal production decisions and investments to improve their livelihoods.
Gustavo Bobonis in front of fence and trees

Affiliate Spotlight: Gustavo J. Bobonis on advancing evidence generation and use in Puerto Rico

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In this Evidence Champion series, J-PAL North America is recognizing individuals in our network who have made extraordinary contributions to the field of evidence-based policymakin g. This piece features the work of Gustavo J. Bobonis , our inaugural researcher recipient. Gustavo is a professor of...
Carrie Cihak in room with other people

Partner Spotlight: Carrie S. Cihak on centering community perspectives and continual learning

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In this Evidence Champion series, J-PAL North America is recognizing individuals in our network who have made extraordinary contributions to the field of evidence-based policymakin g. This piece features the work of Carrie S. Cihak, our inaugural partner recipient. Carrie is the evidence and impact...