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Targeting in Practice: A Review of Existing Mechanisms for Beneficiary Selection in the Democratic Republic of Congo

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  • Quentin Stoeffler
  • Francis Fontshi
  • Aimé Lungela

Abstract

This article presents a field‐based review of existing mechanisms in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) for targeting poor households as beneficiaries of social programs. We surveyed 69 programs from diverse organizations in five regions of the DRC. Our approach is in contrast with the existing targeting literature that focuses on single public programs or cross‐country evidence. We find that targeting is diverse, mostly ad hoc, and relies heavily on categorical targeting or limited community‐based selection, with the exception of humanitarian organizations in the eastern regions. We suggest a way forward for implementing a national targeting strategy in the DRC. © 2020 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Suggested Citation

  • Quentin Stoeffler & Francis Fontshi & Aimé Lungela, 2020. "Targeting in Practice: A Review of Existing Mechanisms for Beneficiary Selection in the Democratic Republic of Congo," Journal of International Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 32(5), pages 824-829, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:jintdv:v:32:y:2020:i:5:p:824-829
    DOI: 10.1002/jid.3469
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Brown, Caitlin & Ravallion, Martin & van de Walle, Dominique, 2018. "A poor means test? Econometric targeting in Africa," Journal of Development Economics, Elsevier, vol. 134(C), pages 109-124.
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    8. Ryan C. Briggs, 2018. "Leaving No One Behind? A New Test of Subnational Aid Targeting," Journal of International Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 30(5), pages 904-910, July.
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    11. Stoeffler, Quentin & Mills, Bradford & del Ninno, Carlo, 2016. "Reaching the Poor: Cash Transfer Program Targeting in Cameroon," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 83(C), pages 244-263.
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    Cited by:

    1. Schnitzer,Pascale & Stoeffler,Quentin, 2021. "Targeting for Social Safety Nets : Evidence from Nine Programs in the Sahel," Policy Research Working Paper Series 9816, The World Bank.
    2. Fuchs, Lisa Elena & Orero, Levi & Apondi, Victoria Atieno & Kipkorir, Lang'at, 2021. "How to stop wasting money in international development: Using a structured group selection approach to counter procedural inefficiency," World Development Perspectives, Elsevier, vol. 24(C).

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