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The Well-being Effects of an Old-Age Pension: Experimental Evidence for Ekiti State in Nigeria

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  • Maria Laura Alzua
  • Natalia Cantet
  • Ana C Dammert
  • Damilola Olajide

Abstract

Many countries in the developing world have implemented old-age pensions. Evidence of the impact of such policies on the elderly in sub-Saharan Africa, however, is scarce. We provide evidence from a randomised evaluation of an unconditional old-age pension targeted at the elderly in Ekiti State, Nigeria. Our findings show that treated beneficiaries self-report better quality of life and a more stable mental health. We also provide evidence of spillover effects on the labor outcomes of other household members and of household savings patterns as well as support for interventions aimed at improving the welfare of elderly poor citizens and other household members.

Suggested Citation

  • Maria Laura Alzua & Natalia Cantet & Ana C Dammert & Damilola Olajide, 2024. "The Well-being Effects of an Old-Age Pension: Experimental Evidence for Ekiti State in Nigeria," Journal of African Economies, Centre for the Study of African Economies, vol. 33(3), pages 240-270.
    • Handle: RePEc:oup:jafrec:v:33:y:2024:i:3:p:240-270.
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    Cited by:

    1. Roychowdhury, Punarjit, 2024. "Social Identity and Depression Among the Elderly: Evidence from India," GLO Discussion Paper Series 1466, Global Labor Organization (GLO).

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    developing countries; health; old-age pensions; aging; randomised controlled trials; JEL classification: C21; C93; H31;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C21 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Single Equation Models; Single Variables - - - Cross-Sectional Models; Spatial Models; Treatment Effect Models
    • C93 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Field Experiments
    • H31 - Public Economics - - Fiscal Policies and Behavior of Economic Agents - - - Household
    • H55 - Public Economics - - National Government Expenditures and Related Policies - - - Social Security and Public Pensions
    • H75 - Public Economics - - State and Local Government; Intergovernmental Relations - - - State and Local Government: Health, Education, and Welfare
    • I38 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty - - - Government Programs; Provision and Effects of Welfare Programs

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