Alison Fahey (J-PAL) is quoted in an article by National Public Radio discussing the benefits of direct cash aid programmes, and their uncertain future amid foreign development spending cuts.
In reference to multiple studies highlighting the positive impacts of the model – including randomised control trials conducted by J-PAL – Alison says: “Across an accumulation of studies, we see people increasing their spending, improved food security, higher income, higher savings, better mental well-being, their kids are more likely to be in school.”
Those benefits, according to Alison, come because “cash gives people power — they can buy the things they know they need or invest in things they'd previously only dreamed of.”