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A cost-benefit framework for evaluating conditional cash-transfer programs

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  • Brent Robert J.

    (Fordham University, New York – Economics, 441 East Fordham Road, Bronx, NY 10458, USA)

Abstract

Following the prototype of Mexico’s Progresa program, a number of countries in Latin America and the Caribbean have initiated conditional cash transfer (CCT) programs. More recently, countries in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) have followed suit. However, no comprehensive framework to carry out a cost-benefit analysis (CBA) exists. This paper presents such a CBA framework for CCTs which enables design features such as targeting and conditionality to be separately evaluated. The framework is applied to an evaluation of a CCT program for orphans and vulnerable children in Kenya. The role of conditionality in SSA and the need for distribution weights is discussed.

Suggested Citation

  • Brent Robert J., 2013. "A cost-benefit framework for evaluating conditional cash-transfer programs," Journal of Benefit-Cost Analysis, De Gruyter, vol. 4(2), pages 159-180, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:bpj:jbcacn:v:4:y:2013:i:2:p:159-180:n:3
    DOI: 10.1515/jbca-2012-0014
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    2. Massimo Baldini & Giovanni Gallo & Marco Ranuzzini, 2018. "Rapporto Conclusivo dell’Indagine Valutativa su Portobello – Emporio Sociale di Modena," Center for the Analysis of Public Policies (CAPP) 0165, Universita di Modena e Reggio Emilia, Dipartimento di Economia "Marco Biagi".
    3. Ettore Recchi & Tobias Grohmann, 2025. "Tackling ‘scandalous inequalities’: a global policy proposal for a Humanity Identity Card and Basic Income Supplement," Humanities and Social Sciences Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 12(1), pages 1-10, December.
    4. Dietrich, Stephan & Malerba, Daniele & Barrientos, Armando & Gassmann, Franziska, 2017. "Rates of return to antipoverty transfers in Uganda," MERIT Working Papers 2017-040, United Nations University - Maastricht Economic and Social Research Institute on Innovation and Technology (MERIT).
    5. Alderman, Harold & Behrman, Jere R. & Tasneem, Afia, 2015. "The contribution of increased equity to the estimated social benefits from a transfer program: An illustration from PROGRESA," IFPRI discussion papers 1475, International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI).

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