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Public Works Programmes and Cooperation for the Common Good: Evidence from Malawi

Author

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  • Stefan Beierl

    (University of Passau)

  • Marina Dodlova

    (University of Passau
    CESifo)

Abstract

This paper investigates the relationship between Malawi’s largest and oldest public works programme (PWP) and social cohesion, specifically within-community cooperation for the common good. Using both primary and secondary data, we show that public works are associated with higher coordination activities and higher voluntary (unpaid) contributions to public goods, along both vertical ties (between community members and local leaders) and horizontal ties (among community members). Especially for school-building activities, voluntary inputs in the form of labour and other in-kind contributions are higher in the presence of the PWP. Our results contribute to a better understanding of the link between social protection programmes with community-driven features and social cohesion.

Suggested Citation

  • Stefan Beierl & Marina Dodlova, 2022. "Public Works Programmes and Cooperation for the Common Good: Evidence from Malawi," The European Journal of Development Research, Palgrave Macmillan;European Association of Development Research and Training Institutes (EADI), vol. 34(3), pages 1264-1284, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:pal:eurjdr:v:34:y:2022:i:3:d:10.1057_s41287-022-00525-1
    DOI: 10.1057/s41287-022-00525-1
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