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Customized Cash Transfers: Financial Lives and Cash-flow Preferences in Rural Kenya

Author

Listed:
  • Carolina Kansikas
  • Anandi Mani
  • Paul Niehaus

Abstract

We examine the preferences of low-income households in Kenya over the structure of unconditional cash transfers. We find, first, that most prefer lumpier transfers, and many prefer delayed receipt—unlike the structures typical of safety-net programs, but consistent with evidence on the financial challenges of poverty. Second, poverty itself affects preferences: a little more financial slack when deciding increases desired delay. Finally, financial slack pays back: some delay—aligning transfers better with the seasonal cycle—increases deliberation, income, and goal progress 1.5 years later. Adapting cash transfer design to recipients’ decision-making environment could improve their financial choices and outcomes.

Suggested Citation

  • Carolina Kansikas & Anandi Mani & Paul Niehaus, 2023. "Customized Cash Transfers: Financial Lives and Cash-flow Preferences in Rural Kenya," NBER Working Papers 30930, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    • Handle: RePEc:nbr:nberwo:30930
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    Cited by:

    1. Dmitriy Sergeyev & Chen Lian & Yuriy Gorodnichenko, 2023. "The Economics of Financial Stress," NBER Working Papers 31285, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.

    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • D91 - Microeconomics - - Micro-Based Behavioral Economics - - - Role and Effects of Psychological, Emotional, Social, and Cognitive Factors on Decision Making
    • H53 - Public Economics - - National Government Expenditures and Related Policies - - - Government Expenditures and Welfare Programs
    • I38 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty - - - Government Programs; Provision and Effects of Welfare Programs
    • O2 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Development Planning and Policy

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