BERI awards micro-grants to researchers to explore partnership opportunities, identify research priorities, and conduct background research or collect data. Applications for micro-grants are accepted on a rolling basis from our affiliates and their students; please contact Ellie Turner, e.turner@berkeley.edu, for more information.
Willa Friedman
Evidence in psychology suggests that habit formation plays an important role in changing behaviors. In sub-Saharan Africa there is evidence that condom availability at a young age is correlated with condom use later in life. Willa will travel to Uganda to collect data from Population Services International on condom distribution. This data, along with Demographic and Household Surveys, will be used to determine whether early access to condoms among those who are beginning to be sexually active can encourage condom-use later in life.
Shanthi Manian
In August 2013 Shanthi explored possible research opportunities with the Grameen Foundation’s Mobile Technology for Community Health (MOTECH) program in Ghana. MOTECH promotes health via mobile technology and keeps electronic client records. She met with staff in Accra and two rural locations to determine whether it would be feasible to explore demand-side interventions, with a specific interest in the effects of intra-household bargaining on decision making. She ultimately determined that transportation was the main barrier to effective health service delivery and changing intra-household dynamics would not make a significant difference until this issue was addressed. Although Shanthi will not pursue her original research project, she will maintain a relationship with Grameen and continue exploring research partnership opportunities.
BERI 