Blockchain WG


Blockchain Working Group

If you’re a researcher or evaluator who wants to learn more about the nexus between measurement and blockchain, join the Blockchain Working Group

Join the WG

Blockchain Working Group Charter

This charter outlines the objectives, activities and governance of the Blockchain Working Group. Any future gains that blockchain provides will require evidence-driven thinking. This evidence can be created through effective measurement and collaboration across social science and emerging blockchain disciplines. However, it is widely acknowledged that a good deal of basic education on the technology is needed before more substantial work can take place. Hence while the Working Group will seek to create the thinking and tools we need to move forward, education on the technology will be our initial primary task.  

Collaborate

We want this community to grow. If you have questions, a new tool to suggest, or want to join the Blockchain Working Group, please contact Michael Cooper: emergence.cooper@gmail.com

Authors

  • Michael Cooper
  • Valentine Gandhi

Download

Blockchain Webinar

Using Blockchain for Impact Evaluation

Presenters: Rebecca Mqamelo
Date & Time: October 20, 2023 at 2-3pm ET
Overview: 

This presentation will be from Rebecca Mqamelo on her study of the first  randomized control trial on community currencies, focusing on Grassroots Economics Community Inclusion Currency (CIC) model run on the xDAI blockchain. Beneficiaries in Nairobi, Kenya were sent the equivalent of $30 in cryptocurrency tokens, enabling a level of impact evaluation usually unfeasible for most cash and mobile-money based transfer programs. Results show that CIC transfers of $30 are associated with $93.51 increase in beneficiaries wallet balance, a $23.17 increase in monthly CIC income, a $16.30 increase in monthly CIC spending, a $6.31 increase in average trade size and a $28.43 increase in expenditure on food and water. However, the difference in treatment effects for males versus females suggests gender imbalances persist. This study serves as an important prototype for novel cash transfer models and presents some of the first quantitative evidence in the area of "crypto for good."

The published results of the study can be found here: Frontiers | Community Currencies as Crisis Response: Results From a Randomized Control Trial in Kenya (frontiersin.org)