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Evaluating the targeting effectiveness of social transfers: a literature review

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posted on 2023-06-06, 08:22 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 testing, 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

Publisher

Institute of Development Studies

Pages

67.0

Place of publication

Brighton

Department affiliated with

  • International Development Publications

Notes

IDS Working Paper No. 460 ISBN 978 1 78118 250 5

Institution

Institute of Development Studies

Full text available

  • No

Legacy Posted Date

2018-04-06

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