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Cash transfer program and child underweight—Empirical evidence from a causal mediation analysis

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  • Pei‐An Liao
  • Hung‐Hao Chang
  • Yi‐Ju Su

Abstract

Despite the existence of a voluminous literature on cash transfer programs, little is known about their impacts on the underweight of children. To fill the knowledge gap, this study uses a unique individual panel data set to analyze how participation in the Children Sponsorship Program (CSP) improves underweight status among needy children and adolescents in Taiwan. This study examines not only the program effect on children's underweight, but also underscores the potential pathways behind the program effect by employing a causal mediation analysis. Our analysis finds that exiting the CSP has a negative impact on the improvement of underweight status. Moreover, eating breakfast every day and receiving pocket money from parents can be two significant mediators that link the effect of exiting the CSP and the change in underweight status among children and adolescents.

Suggested Citation

  • Pei‐An Liao & Hung‐Hao Chang & Yi‐Ju Su, 2020. "Cash transfer program and child underweight—Empirical evidence from a causal mediation analysis," Agricultural Economics, International Association of Agricultural Economists, vol. 51(2), pages 291-303, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:agecon:v:51:y:2020:i:2:p:291-303
    DOI: 10.1111/agec.12555
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Zhang, Jian & Mishra, Ashok K. & Zhu, Peixin & Li, Xiaoshun, 2020. "Land rental market and agricultural labor productivity in rural China: A mediation analysis," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 135(C).
    3. Bohn, Sophia & Wollni, Meike & Paz, Bruno, 2026. "Cultivating change: exploring the link between certification, dietary quality and women’s empowerment among coffee farmers in Rwanda," World Development Perspectives, Elsevier, vol. 41(C).

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