Abstract/Description

Asset transfer program, known as the "Big Push" intervention, emerges as a powerful tool to promote multidimensional well-being among the poor. However, its effectiveness in settings with decade-long state-provided consumption support remains unclear. This study investigates the impact of asset transfers under the National Poverty Graduation Program (NPGP) in Pakistan, amid an established framework of unconditional cash transfers. Using a quasi-experimental approach, we observe significant enhancements in overall well-being, food consumption, ownership of assets, and social integration among beneficiaries. Furthermore, the NPGP encourages savings behavior among beneficiaries, contributing to their long-term financial resilience. Our findings exhibit substantial differences in the magnitude of impacts from prior studies, suggesting that the program’s design, characterized by sustained unconditional cash transfers, magnifies the incremental impact of asset transfers. While no impact on women’s empowerment was observed, suggesting prior engagement through cash transfers facilitated their participation in decision-making. This research offers valuable insights for optimizing poverty reduction strategies in similar contexts worldwide.

Keywords

Asset transfers, National Poverty Graduation Program (NPGP), Unconditional cash transfers

Location

MAV 1 room, Adamjee building

Session Theme

Human Development and Inclusion I

Session Type

Parallel Technical Session

Session Chair

Nasir Iqbal, Pakistan Institute of Development Economics

Session Discussant

Khadija Bari, Institute of Business Administration ; Fatima Sadik, Institute of Business Administration

Start Date

9-12-2024 2:30 PM

End Date

9-12-2024 4:30 PM

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Economics Commons

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Dec 9th, 2:30 PM Dec 9th, 4:30 PM

The Power of Assets: A Catalyst for Multidimensional Well-being

MAV 1 room, Adamjee building

Asset transfer program, known as the "Big Push" intervention, emerges as a powerful tool to promote multidimensional well-being among the poor. However, its effectiveness in settings with decade-long state-provided consumption support remains unclear. This study investigates the impact of asset transfers under the National Poverty Graduation Program (NPGP) in Pakistan, amid an established framework of unconditional cash transfers. Using a quasi-experimental approach, we observe significant enhancements in overall well-being, food consumption, ownership of assets, and social integration among beneficiaries. Furthermore, the NPGP encourages savings behavior among beneficiaries, contributing to their long-term financial resilience. Our findings exhibit substantial differences in the magnitude of impacts from prior studies, suggesting that the program’s design, characterized by sustained unconditional cash transfers, magnifies the incremental impact of asset transfers. While no impact on women’s empowerment was observed, suggesting prior engagement through cash transfers facilitated their participation in decision-making. This research offers valuable insights for optimizing poverty reduction strategies in similar contexts worldwide.