"The principles of behavioral economics have already begun to affect policy in developed economies. Could they also be used to help alleviate poverty in developing countries?Evidence from randomized evaluations in the developing world suggests they could. Procrastination, convenience, and bias affect individuals in developing countries, causing them to act in ways counter to their best interest, just as they do individuals in the developed world. Across a range of programs, small incentives can help alleviate barriers to beneficial behavior.
This article in the Boston Review provides examples of how behavioral principles are being applied in a number of contexts in the developing world, including education and health."
