Based on GDLive, literature, and understanding of extreme poverty livelihoods in some areas of GiveDirectly operations, it can be estimated that the majority of GiveDirectly beneficiaries uses charcoal and unclean burning practices. In addition, some burn wood to make charcoal to generate income. This can be unsustainable and significantly contribute to disease burden. There is no indication that beneficiaries buy a clean-burning stove or change their charcoal business.
Thus, would it be beneficial to label one of the smaller ($27) cash transfers as 'to invest into a clean burning stove to prevent health problems and to gain information on environmentally sustainable businesses?'
No, not restricted, just the use would be recommended - without a follow-up or monitoring: "labeled cash transfer (LCT), in which funds are indicated, or “labeled,” for a specific purpose, but the conditions are not enforced" (IPA).
1. Moderate respiratory problems have a 0.225 (0.153-0.31) disability weight, while mild respiratory problems have 0.019 (0.011-0.033) weight, according to IHME. Apparently, more than 4m people die due to unclean cooking, which is more than malaria, HIV, and tuberculosis combined. Apparently, unclean cooking is 4th leading cause... (read more)