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Evaluating the Short Run and Long Run Impacts of Unconditional Cash Transfers on Food-Seeking Behaviour: New Insights from BISP, Pakistan (Article)

Author

Listed:
  • Ghulam Mustafa

    (PhD Fellows at the School of Economics, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad.)

  • Nasir Iqbal

    (Associate Professor at Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE), Islamabad.)

  • Faiz Ur Rehman

    (Associate Professor in Economics, School of Economics, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad.)

Abstract

We examine the impact of the cash transfer programme on food-seeking behaviour among ultra-poor segments of society. Food-seeking behaviour includes per adult’s daily calorie intakes, food diversity, stable availability of food, and a composite index of food security. The empirical analysis is based on three rounds of panel household surveys (2011, 2013, and 2016) using the regression discontinuity design (RDD). The results have shown that BISP beneficiaries, relative to non-beneficiaries, have a higher level of calorie intakes. The cash transfer helps them diversify their food basket with stable food availability and improved food security level in both short and long-run periods. Moreover, BISP cash transfer increases access to quality food groups such as meat, fish, and fruits in the long run. These beneficial influences of the cash transfer reveal much stronger long-run impacts as compared to short-run effects. The findings of this paper provide helpful policy insights related to the importance of the cash transfer programme.

Suggested Citation

  • Ghulam Mustafa & Nasir Iqbal & Faiz Ur Rehman, 2022. "Evaluating the Short Run and Long Run Impacts of Unconditional Cash Transfers on Food-Seeking Behaviour: New Insights from BISP, Pakistan (Article)," The Pakistan Development Review, Pakistan Institute of Development Economics, vol. 61(1), pages 85-102.
    • Handle: RePEc:pid:journl:v:61:y:2022:i:1:p:85-102
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    Cited by:

    1. Nawaz, Saima & Hussain, Sajid, 2024. "Unveiling effects of cash transfers on poverty and social cohesion in conflict-affected zones: Insights from ex-FATA, Pakistan," World Development Perspectives, Elsevier, vol. 33(C).
    2. Ghulam Mustafa, 2023. "Is the Decision to Obtain Higher Education in Pakistan Worth Repaying? New Evidence from Returns on Education for Paid-Employees," PIDE-Working Papers 2023:6, Pakistan Institute of Development Economics.

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