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The targeting effectiveness of social transfers

journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-09, 08:51 authored by Stephen DevereuxStephen Devereux, Edoardo Masset, Rachel Sabates-WheelerRachel Sabates-Wheeler, Michael Samson, Althea Rivas, Dolf Te LinteloDolf Te Lintelo
Many methodologies exist for dividing a population into those who are classified as eligible for social transfers and those who are ineligible. Popular targeting mechanisms include means tests, proxy means tests, categorical, geographic, community-based and self-selection. This paper reviews empirical evidence from a range of social protection programmes on the accuracy of these mechanisms, in terms of minimising four targeting errors: inclusion and exclusion, by eligibility and by poverty. This paper also reviews available evidence on the various costs associated with targeting, not only administrative but also private, social, psycho-social, incentive-based and political costs. Comparisons are difficult, but all mechanisms generate targeting errors and costs. Given the inevitability of trade-offs, there is no ‘best’ mechanism for targeting social transfers. The key determinant of relative accuracy and cost-effectiveness in each case is how well the targeting mechanism is designed and implemented.

History

Publication status

  • Published

Journal

Journal of Development Effectiveness

ISSN

1943-9342

Publisher

Routledge

Issue

2

Volume

9

Page range

162-211

Department affiliated with

  • International Relations Publications

Full text available

  • No

Peer reviewed?

  • Yes

Legacy Posted Date

2017-12-04

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