Extreme climate crises such as droughts have negative effects on learning outcomes and on long-term cognitive development. Minimising disruption to education and protecting learners from food insecurity may have long term benefits, but need to be delivered before damage is done. CREST is a parametric insurance-backed model which leverages pre-arranged financing to deliver cash, child protection, and remote education support during climate-induced school closures with the aim of mitigating drought-induced disruptions. This is the first evaluation of its kind in the education sector, shifting anticipatory action and disaster risk financing from agriculture into basic service delivery.

Researchers are conducting a randomized evaluation in Kenya to measure the impact of the CREST model. Specifically, they will evaluate the feasibility, cost-efficiency, and effectiveness of delivering remote and timely phone-based learning and cash transfers on learning continuity and child wellbeing during climate crises. The intervention involves 210 schools, which have been randomly divided to receive either remote education, remote education and cash transfers, or no intervention. The study will contribute vital evidence to shape scalable and timely education responses aligned with FCDO’s education in emergencies, disaster risk financing, and climate resilience priorities.

Results will be available in 2027.

This project was funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office, awarded through the Strategic Impact Evaluation and Learning Program, managed by IPA.

Implementing Partners