Productive Workfare? Evidence from Ethiopia's Productive Safety Net Program
Find in your Library
https://doi.org/10.1111/ajae.12310
Document Type
Research Article
Publication Title
American Journal of Agricultural Economics
Publication Date
Spring 3-12-2022
doi
10.1111/ajae.12310
Abstract
Despite the popularity of public works programs in developing countries, there is virtually no evidence on the value of the infrastructure they generate. This paper attempts to start filling this gap in the context of the PSNP – a largescale program implemented in Ethiopia since 2005. Under the program, millions of beneficiaries received social transfers conditional on their participation in activities such as land improvements and soil and water conservation measures. We examine the value of these activities using a satellite-based indicator of agricultural productivity and (reweighted) difference-in-differences estimates. Results show that the program is associated with limited changes in agricultural productivity. The upper bound of the main estimate is equivalent to a 3.6 percent increase in agricultural productivity. This contrasts with existing narratives and calls for more research on the productive effects of public works.
First Page
265
Last Page
290
Recommended Citation
Jules Gazeaud, Victor Stephane. Productive Workfare? Evidence from Ethiopia’s Productive Safety Net Program. 2020. ffhalshs-03082420f