# Poverty Alleviation Experiments in Kenya and Nigeria African towns where economic research seeks solutions to poverty. - **Source:** [Planet Money](https://brifing.si/source/b016594b-a3bc-497e-ad10-5c411ca3cd9e) - **Published:** 2026-07-24 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/17458e3c-3ab7-4065-bafc-02c6dc1ef258 ## Economics Laboratory Busia, Kenya has transformed into an open-air lab for economists. Randomized controlled trials conducted here aim to discover effective methods against poverty. The long-term effects of small interventions are meticulously measured. ## Human Capital Investment Research shows strategic investments in health and education trigger economic growth. Nigeria's 'You Win!' program proved that small support to young entrepreneurs creates employment opportunities. ## The Missing Middle Small businesses, termed the 'missing middle' in developing countries, hold the key to economic transformation. Microcredit and training programs enhance their productivity significantly. ## Nobel-Winning Approach Studies in Busia contributed to winning the 2019 Nobel Prize in Economics. Randomized trials became the gold standard for measuring social policy effectiveness. ## Most Effective Dollar Research reveals that basic healthcare and school feeding programs deliver the most impact in poverty alleviation. Small budgets can create substantial change. ## Global Lessons These African experiments influence economic policies worldwide. Evidence-based approaches increase development program efficiency and prevent resource waste. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.npr.org/2026/07/24/nx-s1-5894830/summer-school-kenya-nigeria-cash-development-experiment — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._