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Fertility impact of social transfers in Sub-Saharan Africa – What about pensions?

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  • Göran Holmqvist

Abstract

The potential link between child-related cash transfers and increased fertility is often raised as an issue of concern when debating their use. Old-age pension is a form of cash transfer where theory would suggest the opposite impact, i.e. pensions equal decreasing fertility. A handful of Sub-Saharan African countries have introduced non-contributory social pensions that cover the great majority of the older population. It makes them into a distinct group in relation to the rest of the region where public old-age security arrangements, if existing at all, are largely reserved for the formal sector. This paper attempts to trace any impact these high-coverage pension schemes may have had on fertility. Findings suggest that there has been such an impact, in the range of 0,5 to 1,5 children less per woman depending on model specification.

Suggested Citation

  • Göran Holmqvist, 2010. "Fertility impact of social transfers in Sub-Saharan Africa – What about pensions?," Global Development Institute Working Paper Series 11910, GDI, The University of Manchester.
    • Handle: RePEc:bwp:bwppap:11910
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    File URL: http://hummedia.manchester.ac.uk/institutes/gdi/publications/workingpapers/bwpi/bwpi-wp-11910.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Karen Mason, 1997. "Explaining fertility transitions," Demography, Springer;Population Association of America (PAA), vol. 34(4), pages 443-454, November.
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    Cited by:

    1. Dick Durevall & Annika Lindskog, 2016. "Adult Mortality, AIDS, and Fertility in Rural Malawi," The Developing Economies, Institute of Developing Economies, vol. 54(3), pages 215-242, September.

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