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Can food-for-work encourage agricultural production?

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  • Bezu, Sosina
  • Holden, Stein

Abstract

Food-for-work (FFW) is the most widely used type of public works program in Ethiopia through which a high share of the food aid is distributed. This paper assesses the impacts of FFW in Tigray, a chronically food insecure region in Ethiopia, in terms of relieving liquidity constraints and thereby improving input use in agriculture. A Heckman selection model on the adoption and intensity of fertilizer use demonstrated that FFW positively influenced the decision to adopt fertilizer and there was no evidence of disincentive effect.

Suggested Citation

  • Bezu, Sosina & Holden, Stein, 2008. "Can food-for-work encourage agricultural production?," Food Policy, Elsevier, vol. 33(6), pages 541-549, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jfpoli:v:33:y:2008:i:6:p:541-549
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    References listed on IDEAS

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