Research and Policy in International Development (RAPID)

Understanding the factors influencing economic growth and development is crucial to enhancing the human welfare of a nation. RAND Corporation established RAPID to fulfill this objective. RAPID staff are dedicated to providing decisionmakers at all levels of government and in the private sector with the objective analysis needed to enhance the wellbeing of people in developing countries around the world.

Learn More

Featured Seminar

Peter Blair Henry Discusses Turnaround: Third World Lessons for First World Growth — May 13, 2013

turnaround at roundaboutIn his book Turnaround, economist Peter Blair Henry argues that the secret to emerging countries' success (and ours) is discipline — sustained commitment to a pragmatic growth strategy. Henry will be visiting PRGS and RAND for the International Development Speaker Series.

Ongoing Projects and Activities

Testing Mobile Phone-based Sales to Increase Use of Safe Water Filters in Kenya

Kenyan woman carrying waterA randomized controlled trial of 300 households in rural western Kenya is testing a potentially scalable and sustainable model to increase purchases and use of durable ceramic safe-water filters to prevent diarrheal illness.

Examining the Impact of Labor Market Regulation on Employment in Low-Income Countries

The empirical literature documenting the impact of labor market regulation on employment in middle- and upper-income countries is extensive and long-standing. What little data there is for low-income countries suggests regulations have a negative effect on formal employment.

Assessing the Impacts of Farmer Field Schools on Excessive Fertilizer Use in China

url bar

This evaluation, based on a randomized control trial in 48 villages in Beijing and Hunan provinces, seeks to estimate the effect of training Chinese farmers in the proper use and application of fertilizers, focusing on the role of farmer cooperative organizations (FCO).

Toolkit for Evaluation of Financial Education Programs in Low and Middle Income Countries

url bar

Funded by the World Bank, this project will create a toolkit that will provide practical guidelines for measuring the impact of financial education interventions on behavior and financial wellbeing in low and middle-income countries, as well as documenting changes in knowledge and skills. This project will cover pilot interventions in multiple countries, including India, Brazil, South Africa and Uganda.

Capacity Building at the Kurdistan Regional Statistics Organization Through Data Collection

url bar

In this project RAND is assisting the Kurdistan Regional Statistics Organization (KRSO) and the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) in building capacity to undertake the data collection RAND has recommended in an earlier study. RAND researchers are working closely with the KRSO and in consultation with relevant ministries to prepare, conduct, and analyze from start to finish surveys critical to policymaking by the KRG. RAND would provide overall guidance and training, both analytical and hands-on.

Fostering Private-Sector Job Growth in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq

url bar

In this study, RAND researchers are providing the Kurdistan Regional Government with strategies to foster private-sector job growth in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq by providing estimates of future changes in both the labor force and the composition of the private sector and facilitating matches between private-sector employers seeking workers and individuals seeking employment. This study is designed to build on recent RAND research on civil-service reform and private-sector development.

My RAND ?

Saved Items

Recommended

View My Profile

Related RAND Research

Assessing the Effectiveness of Conditional Cash Transfers as a Development Mechanism — Nov 6, 2012

Conditional cash transfer programs (CCTs) are seen as particularly effective in low- and middle-income countries, but relatively little is known about the interface between the supply of services and program administration and specific human development outcomes. RAND Europe assessed the effectiveness of CCTs through a two-year grant from UK Economic Social Research Council and Department for International Development.