In what way can a lab like J-Pal alleviate poverty?
In fact, J-Pal acts only as a focal point for research for poverty alleviation programmes. So we, per se, do not work on implementing programmes that will alleviate poverty.
We use scientific evidence using randomised evaluation which is our methodology. We partner with a local partner and evaluate the programme they are doing to bring to the table scientific evidence and then inform the policy-makers what works. We work with many sectors of society. In fact, what we bring to the development table is the rigour that needs to be present in order to understand what works.
Can you tell us the kind of research you do for South Asia?
Basically J-Pal does three things and they all contribute to introducing more science-based evidence into the development process.
First thing, we conduct and promote the use of randomised evaluation. Second, we build capacity for people to do randomised evaluation by offering training. Third, we inform policy-makers through dissemination outreach.
What is randomised evaluation?
I will give you an example. We always work with local partners and currently we have a programme going on with Seva Mandir, an NGO based in Udaipur. Seva Mandir and J-Pal partnered to conduct a baseline health survey. We went to 134 villages, randomly selected people and asked them many questions about their health. All the answers were put in as baseline data, a point from where we can compare in future.
Once you have baseline information, we can devise intervention programmes to improve health. We can also use the baseline information elsewhere in the world.
You gave the example of healthcare. Other than healthcare, what are the areas J-Pal is interested in alleviating poverty?
J-Pal does not choose any area. In fact, we are interested in any area our partners are interested in. we work currently in healthcare, education, micro finance, governance, political mobilisation, women's empowerment, girls' empowerment, etc.
In terms of our partners in India, we have over a dozen partners and more than 20 ongoing projects.
How do you choose your partners?
We don't have any allocation process for people who come to us. Usually our researchers and academicians who partner with NGOs conduct evaluations. It's basically networking, very much like in business. For example, we have a funder and he introduces us to an organisation that is doing interesting work, or IFMR brings in a partner, like that. It's a very network-based organisation. It's like bringing science and local expertise together. We are an institute that is a network.
What is the contribution of J-Pal in such collaborations? Funding?
The contribution of J-Pal is to provide the scientific rigour and capability of networking people. We bring in the expertise of what works; we have many academicians at MIT, Harvard etc who work with us. We are committed to do evaluation of our programmes.
Image : Office blocks and residential buildings tower above the notorious slum colony of Dharavi in Mumbai, 17 June 2007. The plans to redevelop Dharavi- Asia's largest slum, for which global tenders were put out has met with strong protests from the residents mainly tannery owners and Kumbhars (potters) who were the earliest settlers.
Image: An aerial view of Mumbai's Dharavi.
Photograph : Sajjad Hussain/AFP/Getty Images
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