Mobile phone technology allows people to give aid directly to the poor

Mobile phone technology allows people to give aid directly to the poor
Mobile phone technology allows people to give aid directly to the poor

Mobile phone technology allows people to give aid directly to the poor

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There is a growing body of research that suggests that cash transfers given directly to recipients can help reduce inequality and the severity of poverty. There is evidence from numerous countries that the use of direct cash transfers
has led to increased access to  health and education services as well as school enrollment, especially for girls.

Economist Paul Niehaus is testing out that theory in Kenya. He’s one of the founders of an organization called GiveDirectly.  The organization uses mobile phone technology to give cash to the poor in Kenya.   He tells Worldview why he believes this can serve as a new model for giving aid to developing countries.