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Empowering IDPs with SMS: A Randomized Controlled Trial in Bogota

Author

Listed:
  • Blanco, Mariana
  • Vargas, Juan F.

Abstract

This paper studied whether the use of short message service (SMS) technology effectively informed Bogota's population of internally displaced persons (IDPs) about its eligibility to receive social benefits. Half of the sample population was randomly informed of their eligibility via SMS and their awareness of available benefits was estimated. On average, treated households are more aware of their rights; however, awareness varies across benefit type. The study recommends expanding the use of SMS as a policy instrument and as a means for empowering IDPs.

Suggested Citation

  • Blanco, Mariana & Vargas, Juan F., 2010. "Empowering IDPs with SMS: A Randomized Controlled Trial in Bogota," IDB Publications (Working Papers) 3083, Inter-American Development Bank.
    • Handle: RePEc:idb:brikps:3083
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Abhijit V. Banerjee & Esther Duflo, 2009. "The Experimental Approach to Development Economics," Annual Review of Economics, Annual Reviews, vol. 1(1), pages 151-178, May.
    2. Ana María Ibáñez, 2009. "Forced displacement in Colombia: Magnitude and causes," Economics of Peace and Security Journal, EPS Publishing, vol. 4(1), pages 48-54, January.
    3. Daniel Mejía & Pascual Restrepo, 2008. "The War on Illegal Drug Production and Trafficking: An Economic Evaluation of Plan Colombia," Documentos CEDE 5123, Universidad de los Andes, Facultad de Economía, CEDE.
    4. Daniel Mejía & Pascual Restrepo, 2008. "The War on Illegal Drug Production and Trafficking: An Economic Evaluation of Plan Colombia," Documentos CEDE 005123, Universidad de los Andes - CEDE.
    5. Ibáñez, Ana María & Moya, Andrés, 2010. "Vulnerability of Victims of Civil Conflicts: Empirical Evidence for the Displaced Population in Colombia," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 38(4), pages 647-663, April.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    IDB-WP-222; Internally displaced persons; Short message service; Field experiments; Colombia; SMS; randomized controlled trial;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C93 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Field Experiments

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