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Sustainable Poverty Reduction through Social Assistance: Modality, Context, and Complementary Programming in Bangladesh

Author

Listed:
  • Akhter Ahmed
  • Melissa Hidrobo
  • John Hoddinott
  • Bastien Kolt
  • Shalini Roy
  • Salauddin Tauseef

Abstract

Social assistance programs can increase consumption and reduce poverty, but less is known about whether these impacts are sustained after programs end or how design and context influence sustainability. Using data collected in two regions of Bangladesh four years after a randomized intervention ended, we find that combining cash transfers with complementary programming led to sustained increases in consumption and reductions in poverty. Combining food transfers with complementary programming showed similar patterns to a lesser extent. Cash alone had context-specific sustained effects; food alone had no sustained impacts. Results suggest that context, modality, and complementary programming matter for sustained impacts.

Suggested Citation

  • Akhter Ahmed & Melissa Hidrobo & John Hoddinott & Bastien Kolt & Shalini Roy & Salauddin Tauseef, 2025. "Sustainable Poverty Reduction through Social Assistance: Modality, Context, and Complementary Programming in Bangladesh," American Economic Journal: Applied Economics, American Economic Association, vol. 17(2), pages 102-126, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:aea:aejapp:v:17:y:2025:i:2:p:102-26
    DOI: 10.1257/app.20230108
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • D12 - Microeconomics - - Household Behavior - - - Consumer Economics: Empirical Analysis
    • E21 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Consumption, Saving, Production, Employment, and Investment - - - Consumption; Saving; Wealth
    • I32 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty - - - Measurement and Analysis of Poverty
    • I38 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty - - - Government Programs; Provision and Effects of Welfare Programs
    • O15 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Economic Development: Human Resources; Human Development; Income Distribution; Migration

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