Myth-Busting? Confronting Six Common Perceptions about Unconditional Cash Transfers as a Poverty Reduction Strategy in Africa
This paper summarizes evidence on six perceptions associated with cash transfer programming, using eight rigorous evaluations conducted on large-scale government unconditional cash transfers in sub-Saharan Africa under the Transfer Project. Specifically, it investigates if transfers: 1) induce higher spending on alcohol or tobacco; 2) are fully consumed (rather than invested); 3) create dependency (reduce participation in productive activities); 4) increase fertility; 5) lead to negative community-level economic impacts (including price distortion and inflation); and 6) are fiscally unsustainable. The paper presents evidence refuting each claim, leading to the conclusion that these perceptions—insofar as they are utilized in policy debates—undercut potential improvements in well-being and livelihood strengthening among the poor, which these programs can bring about in sub-Saharan Africa, and globally. It concludes by underscoring outstanding research gaps and policy implications for the continued expansion of unconditional cash transfers in the region and beyond.
| Main Authors: | , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Journal Article biblioteca |
| Published: |
Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the World Bank
2018-08
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| Subjects: | PUBLIC EXPENDITURE, CASH TRANSFERS, POVERTY REDUCTION, WELFARE PROGRAM, INCOME DISTRIBUTION, INEQUALITY, HUMAN CAPITAL, ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION, TOBACCO CONSUMPTION, DEPENDENCY, FISCAL SUSTAINABILITY, |
| Online Access: | http://hdl.handle.net/10986/33275 |
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