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Helping Nigerians Grow : Food Security and Nutrition Impacts of Safety Nets Interventions in Nigeria

Author

Listed:
  • Shrestha, Maheshwor
  • Okunogbe, Oyebola M.
  • Kalra, Naira
  • Fashogbon, Ayodele Emmanuel
  • Bossuroy, Thomas
  • Audy, Robin
  • Ajayi, Kehinde

Abstract

A rigorous randomized controlled trial in Nigeria shows that integrated safety nets produce sustained improvements in nutrition and food security for poor households relative to a basic safety nets program, with effects lasting three years. Stunting rates among young children fall by 18 percent only when all three critical features are present: (i) targeting families during early childhood; (ii) substantial grant on top of a regular safety net support; and (iii) behavior change training. Scaling up these proven interventions is urgent to address Nigeria’s high burden of stunting and food insecurity and unlock future human capital.

Suggested Citation

  • Shrestha, Maheshwor & Okunogbe, Oyebola M. & Kalra, Naira & Fashogbon, Ayodele Emmanuel & Bossuroy, Thomas & Audy, Robin & Ajayi, Kehinde, 2025. "Helping Nigerians Grow : Food Security and Nutrition Impacts of Safety Nets Interventions in Nigeria," Social Protection Discussion Papers and Notes 207679, The World Bank.
    • Handle: RePEc:wbk:hdnspu:207679
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Clare Balboni & Oriana Bandiera & Robin Burgess & Maitreesh Ghatak & Anton Heil, 2022. "Why Do People Stay Poor? [“Exploring Poverty Traps and Social Exclusion in South Africa Using Qualitative and Quantitative Data,”]," The Quarterly Journal of Economics, Oxford University Press, vol. 137(2), pages 785-844.
    2. Clare Balboni & Oriana Bandiera & Robin Burgess & Maitreesh Ghatak & Anton Heil, 2023. "Why Do People Stay Poor?," The Quarterly Journal of Economics, President and Fellows of Harvard College, vol. 137(2), pages 785-844.
    3. Oriana Bandiera & Robin Burgess & Narayan Das & Selim Gulesci & Imran Rasul & Munshi Sulaiman, 2017. "Labor Markets and Poverty in Village Economies," The Quarterly Journal of Economics, President and Fellows of Harvard College, vol. 132(2), pages 811-870.
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