Field Work
Burundi
7) Freeriding as a Barrier to Product Innovation, 2025: In collaboration with researchers from UC Berkeley, Stanford, and the University of Burundi. This project asks whether weak protections against entry and imitation by neighboring firms lead businesses to underinvest in product quality upgrades.
6) Religion and the Conservation of the Environment, 2025: In collaboration with Jean Budurha (Université Evangélique en Afrique) and Franck Irakoze (University of Burundi). This project explores whether a religious priming or nudge increases people’s willingness to cooperate in protecting forests in Burundi.
5) Natural Resources Management and Rent-Seeking Behavior, 2024-2025: in collaboration with Jean Budurha and Diomede Manirakiza (University of Burundi). This project examines the relationship between rent-seeking behavior and the overexploitation of natural resources using experiments.
4) Technology Adoption and Employment: Evidence from Burundi, 2023-2025: in collaboration with Michel Ndayikeza (University of Burundi). This project studies the impact of more advanced technology on firm employment in Burundi. We will run an RCT with small firms from the textile sector. Funded by STEG and PEDL.
3) How Does Past Experience Shape Current Decisions?, 2023-2024: in collaboration with researchers from University of Burundi. This project studies how farmers’ recollection affect their current decisions and expectations. Funded by SLU.
2) Religiosity and Altruism, 2022-2023: in collaboration with the University of Burundi and the Christian University of Bujumbura. The project examines the relationship between religion, religiosity, and altruism. We worked with pastors from various churches and farmers.
1) Appropriability of Gains and Technology Adoption, 2022-2023: with researchers from the University of Burundi, the University of California, Berkeley, and in collaboration with One Acre Fund – Burundi. The objective is to study whether the adoption of technology by local farmers can be fostered by peer-to-peer training.
Kenya
Spillover Impact, 2022-2024: in collaboration with One Acre Fund and researchers from Penn State University, I am estimating the spillover impact of OAF’s avocado market access program in the Mount Kenya region.
Policy Work
Transboundary Water Study and Support for the Government of Iraq, 2022-2023: Support for the Government of Iraq to develop a transboundary water negotiation strategy (Consultant for the Geneva Water Hub). Visits to Erbil and Baghdad.
Behavior Interventions to Reduce Meat Consumption, 2023: Report for Humane America Animal Foundation.
Impact of Avocado and Macadamia Market Access Interventions in Kenya (2022): Report for One Acre Fund – Kenya.
PhD
During my doctoral studies, I conducted field research in Africa and Asia. I visited the University of Cape Town (UCT) and Peking University (PKU).
From 2019 to 2021, I was the impact lead of One Acre Fund in Burundi. I was responsible for a team of 30+ surveyors, and implemented agricultural and economic surveys with Burundian farmers.
Pedro Naso 