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
Recommended Citation
Iqbal, N., & Nawaz, S. (2024). The Power of Assets: A Catalyst for Multidimensional Well-being. CBER Conference. Retrieved from https://ir.iba.edu.pk/esdcber/2024/program/2
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.