Today’s episode is a re-air in support of Pods Fight Poverty, a campaign from our friends at GiveDirectly. You can learn more and donate at: GiveDirectly.org/Dimagi
—-
In this episode, we’re joined by Stella Luk, Regional Director at GiveDirectly, and Erin Quinn, Dimagi’s Senior Director of Customer Success, to explore a fundamental question: What if, instead of aid programs deciding what communities need, we simply gave people cash and trusted them to make the best choices for themselves?
GiveDirectly has pioneered direct, unconditional cash transfers to people living in extreme poverty, challenging long-held assumptions about traditional aid. Stella shares powerful insights from the field—how cash empowers recipients with dignity, choice, and long-term impact. We also discuss the skepticism surrounding cash transfers, the evidence supporting their effectiveness, and how technology is helping reach those most in need.
With global development funding in flux, could direct cash transfers be the future of aid? Listen in for a thought-provoking conversation on how this model is reshaping humanitarian response and development efforts worldwide.
Related Resources:
Debunking 5 myths about cash transfers
Kenya study comparing lump and flow study done by Abhijit Banerjee
Ugandan youths given $382 earned 38% more 4 years later
Related and referenced podcast episodes:
Improving Health Worker Jobs to Improve Outcomes with CommCare Connect
Sign up to our newsletter, and stay informed of Dimagi’s work
We are on social media - follow us for the latest from Dimagi: LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Youtube
If you enjoy this show, please leave us a 5-Star Review and share your favorite episodes with friends.
Hosts: Jonathan Jackson and Amie Vaccaro
