Evans School Policy Analysis & Research Group (EPAR)

Many individuals in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) face a financial infrastructure gap. One way organizations have begun addressing this financial infrastructure gap in low-income and rural communities is through the provision of digital financial services (DFS). To utilize DFS however, users must be able to convert physical cash into electronic money through cash-in, cash-out (CICO) networks.

Cash transfer programs have become an increasingly common tool used in low- and middle- income countries to promote investments in education, improve health outcomes, and combat poverty. EPAR conducted “a review of reviews”, with an emphasis on reported evidence of long-term impacts of cash transfer programs.