In my dissertation, I combine topical contributions on microfinance and energy access, two prevalent poverty alleviation policies, with methodological contributions on how empirical economics research can contribute to effective policymaking. Chapter 1 reviews the existing experimental evidence on microfinance. We use this deep literature to highlight challenges in generalizing from empirical research. Chapter 2 and 3 provide empirical insights on the energy access-poverty nexus. We study the long-term adoption of grid electrification and evaluate whether productive use can foster adoption and impact. Chapter 4 addresses data quality, an essential yet often overlooked element in research and policymaking. This introduction provides a general overview on microfinance, energy access, and methodological critiques on common practices in empirical economics research.

Universität Passau