Myth-Busting? Confronting Six Common Perceptions about Unconditional Cash Transfers as a Poverty Reduction Strategy in Africa

Handa, Sudhanshu ; Daidone, Silvio ; Peterman, Amber ; Davis, Benjamin ; Pereira, Audrey ; Palermo, Tia ; Yablonski, Jennifer

Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the World Bank

关键词: PUBLIC EXPENDITURE;    CASH TRANSFERS;    POVERTY REDUCTION;    WELFARE PROGRAM;    INCOME DISTRIBUTION;   

DOI  :  10.1093/wbro/lky003

学科分类：社会科学、人文和艺术（综合）

来源: World Bank Open Knowledge Repository

【 摘 要 】

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.