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Policy Transparency in the Public Sector: The Case of Social Benefits in Tanzania

Author

Listed:
  • Gemma C Wright

    (Southern African Social Policy Research Insights, Hove, United Kingdom.)

  • Vincent Leyaro

    (Department of Economics, University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.)

  • Elineema Kisanga

    (Department of Economics, University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.)

  • Christine Byaruhanga

    (Southern African Social Policy Research Institute NPC, Western Cape, South Africa.)

Abstract

In this paper we explore the eligibility criteria for the social benefits that form part of the Productive Social Safety Net programme in Tanzania — the Basic Cash Transfer and Variable Cash Transfer. An account is given of how simplified variants of these criteria were applied within TAZMOD, a static tax-benefit microsimulation model for Tanzania, in order to estimate take-up rates for these benefits. Confronted by the opaque and discretionary elements of the current benefits, we then simulate several categorical benefit alternatives which overcome many of the challenges of the current design, including a revenue neutral option that is more effective at reducing poverty and inequality. It is argued that by shifting to categorical benefits and removing the community targeting, proxy means-test, and conditionality elements, transparency would be enhanced. This would not only enable more accurate monitoring of access to and take-up of the benefits but would also enable citizens to determine their eligibility which is currently not possible.

Suggested Citation

  • Gemma C Wright & Vincent Leyaro & Elineema Kisanga & Christine Byaruhanga, 2019. "Policy Transparency in the Public Sector: The Case of Social Benefits in Tanzania," International Journal of Microsimulation, International Microsimulation Association, vol. 12(1), pages 83-104.
    • Handle: RePEc:ijm:journl:v:12:y:2019:i:1:p:83-104
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Vincent Leyaro & Faith Masekesa & Ramadhan Ramadhan & Elineema Kisanga & Michael Noble & Gemma Wright, 2020. "Tax-benefit microsimulation modelling in Zanzibar: A feasibility study," WIDER Working Paper Series wp-2020-15, World Institute for Development Economic Research (UNU-WIDER).

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    TRANSPARENCY; SOCIAL ASSISTANCE; COMMUNITY TARGETING; TANZANIA; MICROSIMULATION;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • H83 - Public Economics - - Miscellaneous Issues - - - Public Administration
    • I38 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty - - - Government Programs; Provision and Effects of Welfare Programs

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