How effective are cash transfers in mitigating shocks for vulnerable children? Evidence on the impact of the Lesotho CGP on multiple deprivation. (January 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Carraro, Alessandro; Ferrone, Lucia
• Is Part Of: Journal of rural studies. Volume 97(2023)
• Page Start: 9
• Page End: 21
• Publication Date: 2023-01
• Subjects: Cash transfers -- Shocks -- Child deprivation -- Labour constraints -- RCT; C93 -- I3 -- J16 -- I38; Sociology, Rural -- Periodicals; Country life -- Periodicals; Rural development -- Periodicals; Land use, Rural -- Planning -- Periodicals; Rural conditions -- Periodicals; Sociologie rurale -- Périodiques; Vie rurale -- Périodiques; Développement rural -- Périodiques; Sol, Utilisation agricole du -- Planification -- Périodiques; Conditions rurales -- Périodiques; Country life; Land use, Rural -- Planning; Rural conditions; Rural development; Sociology, Rural; Periodicals; 307.72
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jrurstud.2022.11.015
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0743-0167

Abstract

Abstract: Shocks can pressure families into negative coping strategies with significant drawbacks for children's lives and development, particularly for children living in disadvantaged households who are at greater risk of falling into a poverty trap. This paper investigates if unconditional Cash Transfers can be effective in protecting children against unexpected negative life events. Using two waves of data, we found that the Lesotho Child Grant Programme (CGP) reduced the incidence and intensity of multidimensional deprivation for children living in labour-constrained female-headed households (FHH) that experienced negative economic or demographic shocks. Programme design in shock-prone contexts should seek to reinforce and widen the protective effect of the Cash Transfer for the most vulnerable. Highlights: Shocks can largely affect children living in disadvantaged households who are at greater risk of falling into a poverty trap. Unconditional Cash Transfers can be effective in protecting children against unexpected negative life events. Lesotho CGP reduced deprivation for children living in labour-constrained households experiencing idiosyncratic shocks. Social Protection design in shock-prone contexts should seek to reinforce the protective effect for the most vulnerable.