Using a four-round panel data set from the first phase of the Challenging the Frontiers of Poverty Reduction—Targeting the Ultra Poor (CFPR-TUP) program of BRAC, this article investigated whether a one-off transfer of livestock assets improves the well-being of the very poor women in Bangladesh. Program impact was assessed on a wide range of monetary and non-monetary measures of well-being using difference-in-difference (DD) as well as matching methods. The article found a significant positive long-term impact on food security, household savings, assets and participation in microfinance. Participant women were less likely to be in distressed occupations and more into self-employment. However, the long-term effect was much smaller for most outcomes when compared to short- and medium-run impacts. Finally, the article concluded by discussing the significance of the institutional and regional context for the observed time path of the estimated program effect.
Authors: Asadullah, M Niaz; Ara, Jinnat
Type: Journal Article
Year: 2016
