Video: RECOVR Webinar | Cash Transfers for COVID-19 Relief

On July 14, 2020, Innovations for Poverty Action (IPA) and the Center for Effective Global Action (CEGA) co-hosted a webinar in which representatives from academia, government, NGO, and funding institutions shared some of the innovative approaches they are using—and testing—to identify and reach those most in need of cash support. This webinar was part of IPA’s RECOVR Webinar Series: Bringing Evidence to COVID-19 Policy Responses in the Global South.

Joshua Blumenstock (University of California, Berkeley and CEGA) discussed how mobile phone and satellite data can be used to more accurately target emergency cash support to vulnerable populations, highlighting ongoing work with the government of Togo. Minister Cina Lawson (Government of Togo) and Shegun Bakari discussed how the Togo government is prioritizing cash transfers and how the collaboration with researchers is helping them achieve their goals. Mark Laichena (GiveDirectly) will share what the NGO GiveDirectly is learning through its experience targeting cash transfers in Africa during the pandemic. Finally, Tina George (World Bank) discussed how the institution is engaging with Togo and other countries in the region to build the foundational elements of delivery systems for social protection. Radha Rajkotia (IPA) hosted the webinar and moderated a Q&A on the evidence and lessons for COVID-19 response in other contexts.

For more information, see the event page.