Myth-Busting? : Confronting Six Common Perceptions about Unconditional Cash Transfers as a Poverty Reduction Strategy in Africa / Sudhanshu Handa ... [and others].

Format:

Book

Government document

Contributor:

Handa, Sudhanshu, 1965-

Daidone, Silvio.

Peterman, Amber.

Davies, Benjamin.

Pereira, Audrey L..

Palermo, Tia.

Yablonski, Jennifer.

Series:

Innocenti working papers ; no.2017/11.

Innocenti Working Papers ; no.2017/11

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Children and Youth.

Local Subjects:

Children and Youth.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (40 pages).

Place of Publication:

New York : United Nations, 2017.

System Details:

text file

Summary:

In this paper we summarize 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, we investigate 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. We present 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 programmes can bring about in sub-Saharan Africa, and globally. We conclude by underscoring outstanding research gaps and policy implications for the continued expansion of unconditional cash transfers in the region and beyond.

Notes:

Title from title screen (viewed May 1, 2017).

Access Restriction:

Restricted for use by site license.