Buehren, N; (2013) Essays in Development Economics Three Impact Evaluations. Doctoral thesis , UCL (University College London).

Abstract

This thesis analyzes the impact of three distinct development initiatives on measures of socio-economic behavior and well-being. Although thematically di erent, all three chapters methodologically utilize similar microeconometric models to estimate impacts based on individual and household level panel data. The rst chapter examines the impact of the Empowerment and Livelihood for Adolescents programme in Uganda. The analysis nds that the programme improves female adolescents' HIV and pregnancy related knowledge, increases condom usage and decreases the probability of reported motherhood. Furthermore, the intervention raises the likelihood of being engaged in income generation especially in self-employment activities. The second chapter investigates the e ectiveness of increased access to credit through the One Million Baht Village Fund programme in Thailand. Naive estimates indicate that participants increase their expenditures and debt level but not income. Correcting for a possible self-selection bias uncovers extensive impact heterogeneity rendering the programme's e ectiveness inconclusive. The third chapter evaluates the impact of the Saving Mobilization programme in Uganda designed to promote the utilization of formal saving products. The analysis nds that the intervention is successful in increasing the usage of saving devices at semi-formal nancial institutions. The total amount of savings, however, remains una ected. Importantly, the analysis uncovers substantial impact heterogeneity. Illiterate individuals and individuals who experienced theft in the recent past are far more likely to save at formal institutions in response to project participation.

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