Why do the poor households under-invest in the future? A variety of external constraints are often blamed. These include thin or missing markets for inputs and outputs, uncertain production and prices or lack of access to financial markets (savings, credit, insurance). A growing body of work suggests internal constraints matter. These include high discount rates and/or inconsistent time preferences, short planning horizons, low aspirations or lack of hope.

This presentation is based on the AMA Innovation Lab project Evaluation of the Welfare Impacts of A Livestock Transfer Program in Nepal. This RCT seeks to permanently increase resiliency and improve the nutritional and economic outcomes for the chronically poor in Nepal. 

This presentation took place at the University of Minnesota on April 15, 2016.