Researchers

Alex Armand, Britta Augsburg, Antonella Bancalari

Abstract

One of the most, if not the most, at-risk groups of COVID-19 is the urban poor, living in overcrowded conditions with very limited access to public (health) infrastructure. This project has two main objectives. The first objective is to generate data on how slum dwellers are coping with policy responses to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 on three areas. First, on hygiene practices, by showing to what extent this highly vulnerable group is following government advice and how this is a function of the constraints they face. Second, on containment measures, by showing to what extent citizens living in over-crowded areas, such as informal settlements, are able to self-isolate. Finally, on the economic impact of the crisis, by providing data on the extent to which slum dwellers are able to maintain their economic activity and employment. The second objective is to explore the diffusion of misinformation about COVID-19 and evaluate through a randomized trial the effectiveness of communication technologies to counter fake news. We build on a recently completed field experiment in Uttar Pradesh, India, making use of phone survey technology.

Partners

Institute for Fiscal Studies, International Growth Centre, London School of Economics

Impact Goals

Project Data Collection Mode

Implementing Organization

Institute for Fiscal Studies

Results Status

No Results Yet