International Research

Other countries are struggling with many of the same social problems that beset the United States. In the international arena, Mathematica focuses on designing and conducting rigorous, evidence-based evaluations of programs and policies. We work with governments, international organizations, foundations, and other groups in developing practical and measurable results. Our experts are reaching out across the globe to analyze policies, evaluate programs, and study infrastructure in developing countries to address the unique needs and circumstances of each client.

Strengthening the Safety Net

The issue of how best to deliver social services is an important concern for many countries. We recently completed an evaluation of Jamaica’s social safety net initiative, Programme of Advancement Through Health and Education (PATH). PATH’s goal is to achieve better targeting of social assistance benefits to the poor, and to increase human capital by tying receipt of benefits to school attendance and health care visits. Our study used longitudinal survey data on 5,000 households to estimate program impacts using a regression-discontinuity design. The evaluation included a methods report, a targeting study, a social safety net study, an impact analysis, and qualitative assessments designed to provide rapid feedback to program operators.

Alleviating Poverty Through Improving Infrastructure

In many countries, infrastructure improvements are key to economic growth. Mathematica is designing and implementing an impact evaluation of the Millennium Challenge Account Program in the Republic of Armenia, using experimental and quasi-experimental methods. The program aims to reduce poverty in rural areas by rehabilitating roads and agricultural infrastructure. Farmers also receive training to support their transition to higher-value agricultural practices. In Mexico, we provided technical assistance to the government on a study conducted by local evaluators of a key social program, Estrategia de Microrregiones (EM). EM involves the government channeling resources to rural areas with low socioeconomic development. We are also evaluating Programa Habitat, which is similar to EM but focused on urban areas, to examine impacts on access to water, electrification, and sewage, using propensity-score matching methods. In a study of social welfare and labor market conditions in the People’s Republic of China, the research team developed a strategy to support the successful transformation of state-owned enterprises into competitive organizations by identifying options for restructuring systems to promote labor mobility and support downsizing.

Improving Education

Educational quality is an issue of global importance. We are designing and implementing a rigorous evaluation in Burkina Faso to examine interventions to improve girls’ schooling. Using a regression discontinuity design, the study is looking at the effects on school enrollment, attendance, food consumption, household livelihood, child care activities by young girls, teacher behaviors, mothers’ educational activities, parent attitudes, and resource allocation within households. We are collecting baseline and follow-up data from a sample of households, examining school records, and interviewing community leaders. In another study, we are advising on experimental methods for studying children’s programs in Ireland.

Empowering People With Disabilities

Two projects in the United Kingdom are examining ways to address workplace issues for people with disabilities and chronic illness. One study examined the cost of workplace accommodations for disabled people, costs and benefits to employers, worker retention, employee attitudes and morale, and challenges in recruiting and hiring. In the second study, we are reviewing the U.S. literature on work programs for people with disabilities and drawing implications for related policies in the United Kingdom.

Focusing on Family Formation

Family formation issues have long been a policy focus in some other countries. In the early 1990s, we studied the relationship between migration to the United States and family formation in western Mexico. The study, which assessed differences in household formation patterns, also examined marriage and reproductive behavior.

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