Cost and cost-efficiency of unconditional cash transfers in Tahoua, Niger. Issue 1 (2nd January 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Trenouth, Lani; Sibson, Victoria L.; Grijalva-Eternod, Carlos S.; Golden, Kate; Puett, Chloe
• Is Part Of: Journal of development effectiveness. Volume 15:Issue 1(2023)
• Page Start: 111
• Page End: 123
• Publication Date: 2023-01-02
• Subjects: Cost analysis -- cost-efficiency analysis -- cash transfers -- cash and nutrition -- Niger; Economic development -- Periodicals; Developing countries -- Economic conditions -- Periodicals; Economic development; Economic history; Developing countries; Periodicals; 338.91724
• DOI: 10.1080/19439342.2022.2158903
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1943-9342

Abstract

ABSTRACT: We compared the costs and cost-efficiency of two unconditional cash transfer (UCT) programs in southern Niger – a 'standard' four-month program implemented during the June-September lean season and a six-month 'modified' UCT implemented April-September – each providing the same total cash transfer. The standard UCT was more cost-efficient based on all metrics. However, costs to beneficiaries were unevenly distributed due to program design decisions about cash delivery mechanisms, which eroded the net transfer value for some beneficiaries more than others. Beyond this finding, we contribute to the advancement of costing studies through the descriptive detail and transparent reporting of our analysis.