When it comes to combating crime and homicide in Latin America—home to 41 of the 50 most dangerous cities—policymakers have few tested tools at their disposal. Does hot spots policing reduce violence in high-crime neighborhoods? How can police become more accountable and trusted in their communities?
Innovations for Poverty Action's research and policy work was highlighted in a pair of panel sessions at the Comparative and International Education Society (CIES) Annual Conference in Mexico City this month. In the first panel, IPA participants shared their experiences working with Ministries of Education in Peru, Ghana, and Zambia to equip policymakers and educators to create, understand, and apply rigorous evidence to their education practice.
On September 27th, Maria Aranzazu Rodriguez Uribe (IPA Colombia) moderated a panel at the 2° Seminario Impulsando el Ahorro Voluntario (2nd Seminar Promoting Voluntary Savings). The event, hosted by the IADB and the Mexican pension authority, CONSAR, brought together key players in the Mexican long-term savings space to discuss policies and practices aiming to encourage long-term voluntary savings.
Lucia Sanchez (SME Initiative Director, IPA) traveled to Mexico in November to meet with stakeholders in the SME sector. Her meetings included a conversation with Mexico’s Ministry of Economy, the National Institute of Entrepreneurship (INADEM), and Unidad de Productividad Económica to explore ideas for an evaluation of SME support services provided through the National Entrepreneurship Fund. They also discussed evaluating a new program that provides business funding and training to beneficiaries of the Prospera cash transfer program who have started small businesses.
The Bank of Mexico will hold a conference on Evaluation Methods, where Anna York and Tania Alfonso from Innovations for Poverty Action, Peru will present on randomized control trial evaluation methodology and types and examples of impact studies. They will specifically discuss IPA's Business Education study from Peru.
