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The impact of a nutrition-sensitive graduation model on child nutrition: Experimental evidence from Ethiopia

Author

Listed:
  • Gilligan, Daniel O.
  • Hirvonen, Kalle
  • Leight, Jessica
  • Mesfin, Hiwot
  • Mulford, Michael
  • Tesfaye, Haleluya

Abstract

This brief reports on a three-arm cluster randomized controlled trial of 3,015 households evaluating the effectiveness of SPIR II, a nutrition-sensitive graduation model implemented in Ethiopia. The full treatment package—combining nutrition-focused behavior change communication (BCC), village economics and savings associations, monthly maternal cash transfers of US$20, and a one-time livelihood grant of US$300—generates large, sustained improvements in child diet quality, household consumption, livestock holdings, and formal savings. A substantial reduction in childhood stunting (7 percentage points) is observed in the same sub-arm; BCC alone improves caregiver nutrition knowledge but does not lead to improved child feeding or growth. The benefit-cost ratio is nearly two, suggesting the program more than pays for itself.

Suggested Citation

  • Gilligan, Daniel O. & Hirvonen, Kalle & Leight, Jessica & Mesfin, Hiwot & Mulford, Michael & Tesfaye, Haleluya, 2026. "The impact of a nutrition-sensitive graduation model on child nutrition: Experimental evidence from Ethiopia," Project notes 182850, International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI).
    • Handle: RePEc:fpr:prnote:182850
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Abhijit Banerjee & Esther Duflo & Garima Sharma, 2021. "Long-Term Effects of the Targeting the Ultra Poor Program," American Economic Review: Insights, American Economic Association, vol. 3(4), pages 471-486, December.
    2. Raza, Wameq A. & Van de Poel, Ellen & Van Ourti, Tom, 2018. "Impact and spill-over effects of an asset transfer program on child undernutrition: Evidence from a randomized control trial in Bangladesh," Journal of Health Economics, Elsevier, vol. 62(C), pages 105-120.
    3. Bedoya Arguelles,Guadalupe & Coville,Aidan & Haushofer,Johannes & Isaqzadeh,Mohammad Razaq & Shapiro,Jeremy, 2019. "No Household Left Behind : Afghanistan Targeting the Ultra Poor Impact Evaluation," Policy Research Working Paper Series 8877, The World Bank.
    4. Nathan Barker & Dean Karlan & Christopher Udry & Kelsey Wright, 2024. "The Fading Treatment Effects of a Multifaceted Asset-Transfer Program in Ethiopia," American Economic Review: Insights, American Economic Association, vol. 6(2), pages 277-294, June.
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