This study assesses the intergenerational impact of the UPGP 2007 cohort, examining how such interventions can increase their earning capacities, reduce the likelihood that children will grow up to be poor, and thereby reduce inequality in their generation. The study will set the benchmark for further analysis of intergenerational human capital formation and labour market outcomes.
Researchers: Marzuk A.N. Hossain; Shaila Ahmed; Munshi Sulaiman
Partners: Gender, Growth, and Labour Markets in Low Income Countries Programme (G2LM), Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF)
Timeline: 2023-2026
Status: Ongoing
Contact: Marzuk A.N. Hossain; marzuk.hossain@bracu.ac.bd
Context
Th Ultra Poor Graduation Programs (UPGP) had two explicit objectives: first, in the short term, to provide immediate asset and training support that can be used in an income-generating activity, and second, to empower ultra-poor women along non-economic dimensions, such as providing health support and training on legal, social, and political rights. The training component was intended to mitigate earning risks from working with livestock and increase the return on investment in livestock rearing. Despite the noteworthy success of the UPG programs in shaping the social policy landscape of Bangladesh, until recently, none of the impact evaluations had assessed the long-term outcomes of UPG beneficiaries. In this context, this study attempts to evaluate the intergenerational impact of UPG cohort 2007.
Objective
The objective is to examine the causal relationship between the UPGP intervention in beneficiaries’ households and children’s human capital outcomes for the children’s generation. This study is relevant to SDG 1 (no poverty), particularly to ending poverty in all its forms everywhere.
Methodology
In 2007, a randomised controlled trial (RCT) was designed for the 2007 cohort of BRAC’s UPG program to assess the impact of this multifaceted graduation program on the livelihoods of the poorest community. Till now, this RCT’s samples have been surveyed five times: in 2007, 2009, 2011, 2014, and 2018. A total of 4,066 households were selected for treatment, and 2,657 households were in the control group. Now, an in-person follow-up survey of those treated and control households of the 2007 cohort will be conducted to collect information about their children, who were 5-10 years old in 2007. After that, depending on where these children live, an in-person or phone survey of individuals aged 20-25 years in 2023 will be conducted to collect socio-demographic information and labour market engagement.
Findings and Recommendations
Forthcoming.
