Random Update

IPA Nigeria Co-Develops Anti-Trafficking Evidence Lab

Photo: From left to right: John-Paul Amodu (NAPTIP), Pheliciah Mwachofi (IPA), Olubiyi Olusayo (NAPTIP), Jeni Sorensen (IPA), Micah Mendie (IPA), and Rasheed Olatunji (NAPTIP) at the Memorandum of Understanding signing for the anti-trafficking embedded evidence lab. © 2023 IPA

IPA in collaboration with the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), is developing an evidence lab to support the Nigerian government to more effectively target anti-trafficking programming. The effort is a part of the Program to End Modern Slavery (PEMS) funded by the U.S. Department of State’s Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons. So far, the lab is in the process of conducting a baseline study to assess the prevalence of sex trafficking in Nigeria and is conducting a data and evidence use assessment to understand NAPTIP’s data generation capacity and how they currently use data and evidence to inform decision-making. The lab will strengthen NAPTIP's mandate of increasing the rate of prosecutions and convictions of traffickers, providing comprehensive support to survivors, and increasing general awareness about trafficking through the increased generation and use of high-quality data and the uptake of rigorous research.

Understanding How to Reduce Adolescent Recruitment into Gangs: Evidence from Medellín, Colombia

Photo: A neighborhood in Medellín, Colombia. © 2023 Rut Nastiti

Researchers: Christopher Blattman, Arantxa Rodriguez, and Santiago Tobón

Despite the fact most low- and middle-income neighborhoods in Medellín, Colombia are at least partially controlled by street gangs, most research about recruitment is qualitative and subjective; there is no systematic data on an adolescent’s choice to join gangs. IPA is piloting a randomized evaluation to measure the impact of anti-gang interventions among adolescent boys. This pilot includes a training and mentorship program and information sessions to promote career enhancement and public safety. Researchers are also conducting a panel survey to assess the risk factors and drivers of gang recruitment.