More Than Good Intentions explores various aid programs aimed at alleviating poverty, using randomized control trials (RCTs) to evaluate their effectiveness. The book emphasizes the importance of understanding the root causes of poverty and rigorously testing solutions to ensure they make a meaningful difference.
More Than Good Intentions by Dean Karlan and Jacob Appel delves into the world of aid programs designed to combat poverty. The authors argue that many well-intentioned efforts lack the necessary effectiveness and efficiency to truly make a difference. They propose a two-pronged approach: first, understanding the root causes of poverty and the choices people make, and second, conducting rigorous evaluations through RCTs to determine what works and what doesn't. Each chapter focuses on a different aspect of poverty, from borrowing and saving to farming, learning, and staying healthy. The book provides a comprehensive look at how aid programs can be improved to better meet the needs of the world's poor. The authors' extensive research and fieldwork lend credibility to their findings, making this a valuable resource for anyone interested in poverty alleviation.
Quick quotes
The authors suggest that to make a difference, and have more than good intentions, we need to use what they call a two pronged attack:
RCTs give an unbiased picture of how a program has impacted the people using it.
The book provides a comprehensive look at how aid programs can be improved to better meet the needs of the world's poor.