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Prize for Excellence in Applied Development Research

Award-Winners 2021

Young Researcher Name and affiliation Dissertation 1st Prize: Simon Heß (PhD at University of “Essays on Experimental Evaluations and Networks in ) ” 2nd Prize: Sabrina Maurus (PhD at University “Battles over State Making on a Frontier Dilemmas of of Bayreuth) Schooling, Young People and Agro-Pastoralism in Hamar, Southwest Ethiopia” 3rd Prize: Selina Silvia Bezzola (PhD at ETH “The consequences of Corporate Social Responsibilities for Zürich) mining communities in Africa” Price Committee: Simone Dietrich (), Javier Revilla Diez (), Gregor Dobler (), Andreas Fuchs (University of Göttingen), Michael Grimm (), Ulrike Grote (University of Hannover) Martin Kores, Manuel Martin and Sebastian Prediger (KfW Development Bank)

Award-Winners 2020

Young Researcher Name and affiliation Dissertation 1st Prize: Sebastian Tonke (PhD at University “Using Behavioral Interventions to Foster Resource of Cologne) Sustainability” 2nd Prize: Bosco Lliso (PhD at University of “Social Equity and Payments for Ecosystem Services: From Osnabrück) Macro to Micro” 3rd Prize: Cara Ebert (PhD at University of “Child development and human capital formation—Evidence Göttingen) from randomized interventions and gender inequality” Price Committee: Simone Dietrich (University of Geneva), Javier Revilla Diez (University of Cologne), Gregor Dobler (University of Freiburg), Andreas Fuchs (University of Göttingen), Michael Grimm (University of Passau), Ulrike Grote (University of Hannover), Martin Kores, Jonas Müller and Sebastian Prediger (KfW Development Bank)

Prize for Excellence in Applied Development Research Award-Winners 2019

Category: Scientific Excellence Name and Paper Short description of research affiliation Lorenzo Casaburi “Time versus State in Lorenzo Casaburi and his co-author study how the (University of Insurance: Experimental intertemporal transfer of money, which is a typical Zürich) Evidence from Contract feature of standard insurance products, affects take-up Farming in Kenya”, published of crop insurance among Kenyan farmers. Using an in American Economic experimental approach, they show that offering Review insurance contracts without the intertemporal transfer lead to a substantial increase in take-up. Category: Young Researcher Name and Dissertation Short description of research affiliation 1st Prize: Sarah “Conflict, Income Shocks, Sarah Langlotz’s dissertation shows high scientific Langlotz (PhD at and Foreign Policy: Macro- quality, methodological innovativeness and practical University of and Micro-Level Evidence” relevance. At the macro-level, she examines the Heidelberg) relationship between bilateral foreign aid flows and conflict intensity in recipient areas and the effects of aid on growth. At the micro-level, she further explores the consequences of the presence of foreign military troops on social cohesion and trust in Afghanistan as well as how opium-related income shocks affect conflict. 2nd Prize: Maria- “Disability and Logistics of Maria-Theres Schuler´s dissertation is an Theres Schuler(PhD Distribution in a Ugandan anthropological work in which she examines the effects at University of Refugee Settlement” of a paradigm change in humanitarian aid for refugees Zürich) on the role and social relationships of refugees with disabilities. Her conclusions run in part contrary to established working hypotheses of development cooperation and call for a critical reflection on current approaches in humanitarian aid. 3rd Prize: Valentin “Political Decisions, Valentin Lang investigates the decision making Lang (PhD at Economic Effects: How processes of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), as University of International Organizations well as the consequences of its interventions in Heidelberg) Govern the Globalized developing countries. His research suggests that the Economy” decision-making of the IMF is prone to the political influence of some powerful member states. He further shows that IMF programs affect key economic outcomes like inequality and capital market access, and thus influence the daily lives of many people very directly and substantially. Committee: Simone Dietrich (University of Geneva), Javier Revilla Diez (University of Cologne), Gregor Dobler (University of Freiburg), Axel Dreher (University of Heidelberg), Roland Hodler (University of St. Gallen), Patric Shirzadi and Sebastian Prediger (KfW Development Bank) and Herman Waibel (University of Hannover). Prize for Excellence in Applied Development Research Award-Winners 2018

Category: Scientific Excellence Name and Paper Short description of research affiliation Dina Pomeranz “Dodging the Taxman: Firm Dina Pomeranz and her co-authors examine the (University of Misreporting and Limits to effectiveness of third-party information as a means of Zürich) Tax Enforcement”, published verifying taxpayer reports in Ecuador. They report in American Economic widespread misreporting on taxes and show that firms Journal: Applied Economics responding to notifications about detected revenue discrepancies increase both reported revenue and costs, resulting in minor increases in tax revenue. Their results show that tax enforcement through third-party reporting can be severely limited in developing countries. Category: Young Researcher Name and Dissertation Short description of research affiliation 1st Prize: Rahul “Essays in Poverty, Rahul Lahoti compiles a unique database on poverty and Lahoti (PhD in Inequality, and Political inequality that is more comprehensive, transparent and Economics at Economy” allows for more flexible usage than existing data bases. University of He further demonstrates that multidimensional poverty Göttingen) measures tend to underestimate the incidence of individual poverty and inequality within households, and proposes an alternative approach for measuring multidimensional poverty at individual level. 2nd Prize: Mirjam “Essays on Development Mirjam A. Brüderle analyses the health-impacts of Anna Brüderle Economics” onshore oil spills in Nigeria, the influence of extreme (PhD in Economics weather events on crime in South Africa, the impact of at University of St. electrification programs on microenterprise Gallen) development in Nepal, and the association between survey-based development outcomes and satellite data on nighttime lights at local level. All her essays have direct implications for practitioners. 3rd Prize: Felix Haaß “Buying Democracy? The Felix Haaß examines the effects that post-conflict power (PhD in Political Political Economy of Foreign sharing and foreign aid have on democratic Sciences at GIGA Aid, Power-Sharing development in post-conflict societies. He shows that aid German Institute Governments, and Post- and power sharing promote clean(er) elections, but of Global and Area Conflict Political motivates elites to weaken the rule of and to Studies) Development” provide fever public goods. Committee: Simone Dietrich (University of Geneva), Javier Revilla Diez (University of Cologne), Gregor Dobler (University of Freiburg), Axel Dreher (University of Heidelberg), Roland Hodler (University of St. Gallen), Sebastian Prediger (KfW Development Bank) and Herman Waibel (University of Hannover). Prize for Excellence in Applied Development Research Award-Winners 2017 Category: Scientific Excellence Name and Paper Short description of research affiliation Toman Barsbai “The Effect of Labor Migration on Toman Barsbai and his co-authors examine (IfW Kiel) the Diffusion of Democracy: how migration into western countries Evidence from a Former Soviet affects political preferences in home Republic”, published in American countries. They show that migration from Economic Journal: Applied Moldova increased pro-democratic votes Economics in elections. Thus migration has not only economic but also political effects. Category: Young Researcher Name and Dissertation Short description of research affiliation 1st Prize: André “On the Causes and Combining satellite and household survey Gröger (PhD in Consequences of Migration in data, André Gröger shows that migration Economics at the Developing Countries” can be an effective mechanism for University of reducing income risk. He shows that Frankfurt) money transfer from urban migrants helped households affected by a typhoon deal with production and income shocks. 2nd Prize: “Three Essays on Modeling Muhammad Baba Bello analyses the Muhammad Baba Consumer Preferences in the consumption preferences for organic food Bello (PhD in Presence of Hypothetical Bias and in Nigeria. Using experimental methods he Agricultural Attribute Non-Attendance in Food identifies different consumer types, Economics at the Choice Experiments” allowing designing products for different ) consumer market segments. 3rd Prize: Vera “The Political Economy of Foreign Vera Eichenauer examines multi-bilateral Eichenauer (PhD Aid, Allocation, Timing, and aid in her dissertation. This aid modality is in Economics at Effectiveness” administered by international the University of organizations in a variety of country- Heidelberg) specific, sectoral trust funds. Her research contributed to better understand donors’ decision whether to allocate funds to bilateral, multi-bilateral or multilateral aid. Committee: Margit Bussmann (University of ), Javier Revilla Diez (University of Cologne), Gregor Dobler (University of Freiburg), Axel Dreher (University of Heidelberg), Joachim Heidebrecht (KfW Development Bank), Roland Hodler (University of St. Gallen) and Herman Waibel (University of Hannover).

Prize for Excellence in Applied Development Research Award-Winners 2016

Category: Scientific Excellence Name and Paper Short description of research affiliation Raji Jayaraman “ of a Contract Change”, Raji Jayaraman and her co-authors study (ESMT ) published in The American the productivity impact of a contract Economic Review change among Indian tea pluckers. The fixed component of the tea pluckers’ compensation is increased due to a rise in minimum wages, while the variable component remains unchanged. They find that psychological factors matter in the short run, while in the long-run only monetary motives matter for productivity. Category: Young Researcher Name and Dissertation Short description of research affiliation 1st Prize: Richard “Growth Dynamics and Richard Bluhm explores how the quality of Bluhm (PhD in Development. Essays in Applied political institutions relates to economic Economics at Econometrics and Political stagnation. A weak executive paired with Maastricht Economy” ethnic conflicts undermines cooperation University) and thus prolongs economic crisis. 2nd Prize: René “Mobile Tests - Einfaches Wissen. René Umlauf examines the take-up of Umlauf (PhD in Zur Laboratorisierung und rapid malaria testing in Uganda looking at at the Projektifizierung der organizational, technological and University of Malariadiagnose im ländlichen sociological aspects. He identifies obstacles Bayreuth) Uganda” and emphasizes that a different comprehension of the new technology would actually stabilize its usage. 3rd Prize: Tobias “Social and Economic Effects of Tobias Stöhr explores migration decisions Stöhr (PhD in Migration” from the perspective of migrants’ families. Economics at the Migrants have to decide whether to stay to University of Kiel) take care of the elderly or migrate to improve household income. The dissertation helps understand how social security policies affect migration decisions. Committee: Thomas Bierschenk (), Margit Bussmann (), Javier Revilla Diez (University of Cologne), Axel Dreher (University of Heidelberg), Joachim Heidebrecht (KfW Development Bank), Roland Hodler (University of St. Gallen) and Herman Waibel (University of Hannover).

Prize for Excellence in Applied Development Research Award-Winners 2015

Category: Scientific Excellence Name and Paper Short description of research affiliation Sebastian Vollmer “Is Economic Growth Associated The authors investigate the relationship (University of with Reduction in Child between economic growth and childhood Göttingen), Undernutrition? Evidence from undernutrition. While it is a common Kenneth Harttgen 115 Demographic and Health belief that undernutrition diminishes in (ETH Zürich) Surveys from 37 Low- and Middle- the course of economic growth (growth of income Countries”, published in incomes), the authors find that this is not The Lancet Global Health the case. The results show that growth does not automatically entail reductions in childhood undernutrition. Category: Young Researcher Name and Dissertation Short description of research affiliation 1st Prize: Simona “Essays in Economic Policy and Simon Alder develops a model that helps Alder (PhD in Development” to improve the allocation of funds for Economics at the optimizing the economic outcome of University of transport infrastructure investments. He Zurich) shows that if India had followed the same transport infrastructure investment strategy as China, India would have achieved higher growth and a more equitable income distribution. 2nd Prize: Jan Beek “Boundary Work: The Police in Jan Beek provides at thorough description (PhD in Ghana” of the police in Ghana. The dissertation at allows for deep insights in the behavior of the University of police representatives and for starting Mainz) points to further increase police efficiency. 3rd Prize: Vera “Family Economics in Developing Vera Molitor investigates female genital Molitor (PhD in Countries” mutilation (FGM). She tests whether the Economics at the decision to circumcise is also driven by University of economic incentives. The results show Mannheim) that affecting these incentives, e.g. through education or income transfers, could reduce FGM. Committee: Thomas Bierschenk (University of Mainz), Margit Bussmann (University of Greifswald), Axel Dreher (University of Heidelberg), Joachim Heidebrecht (KfW Development Bank), Katja Michaelowa () and Herman Waibel (University of Hannover). Prize for Excellence in Applied Development Research Award-Winners 2014

Category: Scientific Excellence Name and Paper Short description of research affiliation Roland Hodler “Regional Favoritism” Roland Hodler and his co-authors (Economics, investigate the allocation of of St. investment by using an innovative data Gallen) set that employs satellite measurements of light intensity at night as a proxy for public investment. Results suggest that home regions of political leaders receive more public investment in comparison to others. Category: Young Researcher Name and Dissertation Short description of research affiliation 1st Prize: Livia “Repression and Mobilization in Livia Schubiger contributes to the Schubiger (PhD in Civil War: The Consequences of understanding of the dynamics of civil State Violence for Wartime war. Among other results she finds that at the University Collective Action” haphazard state repression can lead to of Zurich) the fragmentation and new formation of rebel movements which prolongs a conflict in the long run. 2nd Prize: Andreas “Essays on Formal Insurance and Andreas Landmann shows by means of Landmann (PhD Informal Solidarity in Developing experiments that the implementation of in Economics at Countries” formal insurances can lead onto the the University of crowding-out of informal insurances. His Mannheim) dissertation is immediately practice- oriented and emphasizes that insurances bear a developmental meaning that goes beyond the coverage of emergencies. 3rd Prize: Katrin “Law and unlawfulness using the Katrin Merhof analyzes the divergence Merhof (PhD in example of employment law and between legal rights and their factual Law at the the flower industry in Columbia” implementation. Her results suggest clear University of policy guidelines as the results show that Giessen) institutional capacities concerning the implementation of law have to be improved rather than reforming existing law. Committee: Thomas Bierschenk (University of Mainz), Margit Bussmann (University of Greifswald), Axel Dreher (University of Heidelberg), Joachim Heidebrecht (KfW Development Bank), Katja Michaelowa (University of Zurich) and Herman Waibel (University of Hannover). Prize for Excellence in Applied Development Research Award-Winners 2013

Category: Scientific Excellence Name and Paper Short description of research affiliation Dominic Rohner “War Signals: A Theory of Trade, The paper deals with the causes of civil (Assistant Trust and Conflict”, published in wars and the role of trade. Inter-ethnical Professor Review of Economic Studies trade is shown to foster trust among University of various ethnic groups. Further, it is a route Lausanne) to achieve appeasement among conflicting parties. Category: Young Researcher Name and Dissertation Short description of research affiliation 1st Prize: Kristina “Empirical Essays on Kristina Czura shows that lending groups Czura (PhD in Microfinance in South Asia – exert excessive group pressure and apply Economics at the Financial Product Design, punishments to its members to ensure University of Borrower Welfare, and Risk repayment. Flexible repayment schemes Frankfurt) Coping” help to overcome liquidity constraints and increase the productivity of investments 2nd Prize: Philipp “New Approaches to the Philipp Kolo provides new insights in Kolo (PhD in Dynamics, Measurement and various issues of ethnic diversity. The Economics at the Economic Implications of Ethnic dissertation has strong political relevance University of Diversity” based on the importance of ethnic Göttingen) diversity for development and peace. 3rd Prize: Lena “In between Life and Death - HIV- Lena Kroeker investigates the domestic Luise Kroeker (PhD Positive Women in Lesotho and decision making of pregnant women who in Social their Obstetric Choices” are HIV-positive and receive antenatal Anthropology at care. One practice-oriented finding of her the University of dissertation is that simple changes in Bayreuth) official counselling can improve the health of mothers and children. Committee: Thomas Bierschenk (University of Mainz), Margit Bussmann (University of Greifswald), Axel Dreher (University of Heidelberg), Joachim Heidebrecht (KfW Development Bank), Katja Michaelowa (University of Zurich) and Herman Waibel (University of Hannover).

Prize for Excellence in Applied Development Research Award-Winners 2012

Category: Scientific Excellence Name and Paper Short description of research affiliation Isabel Günther “Competitive and Segmented Informal The authors show that a large share of (ETH Zurich), Labor Markets”, individuals employed in the informal Andrey Launov published in Journal of Development economy dispose of a surprisingly high (University of Economics productive potential. However, tapping Mainz) the full potential requires targeted support provided by donors. Category: Young Researcher Name and Dissertation Short description of research affiliation 1st Prize: Nadine “Tracing and Making the State - Policy Nadine Reis analyzes a micro-finance Reis (PhD at Practices and Domestic Water Supply program for the improvement of water University of in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam” supply in Vietnam and points at the Bonn) importance of independent monitoring to prevent local stakeholders from securing the project benefits for their own clients. 2nd Prize: “Poverty Reduction through Social Kerstin Maria Humberg focuses in her Kerstin Maria Business? Lessons Learnt from dissertation on the potential and impact Humberg (PhD Grameen Joint Ventures in of social business enterprises in at University of Bangladesh” Bangladesh. Cologne) 3rd Prize: „Alternative Übergangsrituale: Melanie Feuerbach investigates how Melanie Untersuchung zu Praktiken der cultural initiation rituals can be modified Feuerbach (PhD weiblichen Genitalverstümmelung im to prevent the degrading and health- at University of subsaharischen Afrika und deren damaging practice of female genital ) Transformationen im cutting. Entwicklungsprozess“ Committee: Thomas Bierschenk (University of Mainz), Margit Bussmann (University of Greifswald), Joachim Heidebrecht (KfW Development Bank), Stephan Klasen (University of Göttingen), Katja Michaelowa (University of Zurich) and Herman Waibel (University of Hannover).

Prize for Excellence in Applied Development Research Award-Winners 2011

Category: Scientific Excellence Name and Paper Short description of research affiliation Martin Qaim Martin Qaim demonstrates that Indian “Benefits of Genetically Modified (University of farmers benefit from higher returns of Crops for the Poor: Household Göttingen) (genetically modified) Bt Cotton, Income, Nutrition, and Health”, suggesting that there is a high potential published in New for poverty reduction. Benedikt Korf “The gift of disaster: On the Benedikt Korf shows that post-tsunami aid (University of commodification of good intentions in Sri Lanka has been distributed along an Zurich) in Sri Lanka after the tsunami”, existing patrimonial system. Those not published in Disasters benefiting accepted this as they adhere to prevailing local rules. Category: Young Researcher Name and Dissertation Short description of research affiliation 1st Prize: Kristina “Globalization and Child Labor” Kristina Kis-Katos shows that trade Kis-Katos (PhD at liberalization can lead to an increase in the University of child labor, although boys and girls are Freiburg) affected differently. 2nd Prize: Patrick „Orte und Räume der Health Patrick Sakdapolrak examines in Channai, Sakdapolrak Vulnerability. Bourdieus Theorie der India, how slum dwellers cope with the (PhD in Praxis für die Analyse von Krankheit occurance of dieseases. He shows that the at und Gesundheit in megaurbanen slum dwellers own perceived health does the University of Slums von Chennai, Südindien“ not coincide with established medical Bonn) views. As a consequence, slum dwellers do not seek (free) medical advice. 3rd Prize: James “High-value Agricultural Markets In recent years, supermarkets in Rao (PhD in and Implications for Rural developing countries are a common Agricultural Development – The Case of occurrence. It is unclear to what extend Economics at the Vegetables in Kenya” smallholder farmers benefit from these University of modern supply chains. James Rao shows Göttingen) that smallholders farmers in Kenya can benefit, but only if they have certain characteristics such as sufficient levels of education. Committee: Thomas Bierschenk (University of Mainz), Joachim Heidebrecht (KfW Development Bank), Stephan Klasen (University of Göttingen) and Katja Michaelowa (University of Zurich).

Prize for Excellence in Applied Development Research Award-Winners 2010

Category: Scientific Excellence Name and Paper Short description of research affiliation Axel Dreher “Development Aid and International The authors investigate whether (University of Politics: Does membership on the UN elected members of the UN Security Heidelberg), Security Council influence World Bank Council receive favorable treatment Jan-Egbert decisions?”, published in Journal of from the World Bank. They find Sturm (ETH Development Economics positive relationship between Zürich) temporary UN Security Council membership and the number of World Bank projects a country receives. Category: Young Researcher Name and Dissertation Short description of research affiliation 1st Prize: Devesh ”Behavioral Heterogeneity and Human Devesh Rustagi explores Rustagi Cooperation” heterogeneity in human behavior with (University of regard to cooperation in the Zurich) management of public goods, for instance in the context of common property forests of the Bale Oromo people in Ethiopia. He identifies behavioral traits under which cooperation can be maintained. 2nd Prize: “Econometric Analysis in Poverty Johannes Gräb uses innovative Johannes Gräb Research – With Case Studies from statistical methods to examine how (University of Developing Countries” development aid can be made more Göttingen) effective. 3rd Prize: „Das Risiko der Afar - Existenzsicherung Simone Rettberg examines the Simone äthiopischer Nomaden im Kontext von livelihoods and the coping strategies of Rettberg (Free Hungerkrisen, Konflikten und the nomadic Afar in northern Ethiopia University Entwicklungsinterventionen“ with respect to crises. She finds that Berlin) the economic welfare of is fundamentally determined by access to range land and water. Committee: Thomas Bierschenk (University of Mainz), Stefanie Engel (ETH Zürich), Joachim Heidebrecht (KfW Development Bank), Stephan Klasen (University of Göttingen), Thilo Marauhn ().