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Are Behavioral Change Interventions Needed to Make Cash Transfer Programs Work for Children? Experimental Evidence from Myanmar

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  • Erica Field
  • Elisa M. Maffioli

Abstract

We experimentally evaluate the effect on child malnutrition of a maternal cash transfer program in Myanmar that was supplemented with social behavior change communication (SBCC) in a subset of villages. The combination of interventions significantly reduced stunting, while cash alone had no effect on stunting. SBCC appears to have worked in conjunction with cash to reduce stunting by encouraging mothers to increase children’s dietary diversity, in particular proteins consumed. The findings underscore the importance of adding SBCC to cash transfer programs.

Suggested Citation

  • Erica Field & Elisa M. Maffioli, 2025. "Are Behavioral Change Interventions Needed to Make Cash Transfer Programs Work for Children? Experimental Evidence from Myanmar," Economic Development and Cultural Change, University of Chicago Press, vol. 73(3), pages 1187-1220.
    • Handle: RePEc:ucp:ecdecc:doi:10.1086/730631
    DOI: 10.1086/730631
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    Cited by:

    1. Richard Akresh & Damien de Walque & Harounan Kazianga & Abigail Stocker, 2025. "Medium-Term Impacts of Integrated Social Safety Nets: Cash Transfers, Information Meetings, and Home Visits for Child Development," NBER Working Papers 34578, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    2. Hirvonen, Kalle & Leight, Jessica & Gilligan, Daniel O. & Mesfin, Hiwot Mekonnen & Mulford, Michael & Tesfaye, Haleluya, 2025. "The impact of a nutrition-sensitive graduation model program on child nutrition: Experimental evidence from Ethiopia," GSSP working papers 2391, International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI).
    3. Ding, Xiaozhou & Song, Yaxiang, 2025. "Maternal education and early childhood outcomes in China," Economics of Education Review, Elsevier, vol. 107(C).

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