Burkina Faso - Policies to Protect the Poor from the Impact of Food and Energy Price Increases

Abstract

This paper assesses the effectiveness of policies taken by the Burkinabè authorities to protect the poor from the adverse impact of a combined food and oil price shock in 2008. Estimates of the impact based on household survey data and a price pass-through model suggest that these policies were not well-targeted, benefiting the wealthier groups of the population rather than the poor. More effective policy measures, such as a conditional cash transfer system, which is already being implemented on a pilot basis in urban areas, are discussed as an alternative policy option.

Keywords: Agricultural prices, Burkina Faso, Energy prices, Fiscal policy, Price increases, Social safety nets