Can Social Safety Nets Alleviate Seasonal Deprivation? Evidence from Northwest Bangladesh

47 Pages Posted: 20 Apr 2016

See all articles by Shahidur R. Khandker

Shahidur R. Khandker

World Bank - Development Research Group (DECRG)

M. Abdul Khaleque

affiliation not provided to SSRN

Hussain A. Samad

World Bank

Date Written: October 1, 2011

Abstract

This paper examines the role of social safety-net programs in Bangladesh run by the government and nongovernmental organizations to mitigate seasonal deprivation in the country's highly vulnerable northwest region. Specifically, the paper explores whether social safety nets are limited to averting seasonal deprivation or can also address seasonality of income and employment more generally. Using a recent survey from the greater Rangpur (northwest) region, the paper finds that social safety nets have a positive effect on mitigating both seasonal and non-seasonal food deprivation. The results are robust, owing to the recent expanded coverage of social safety-net programs run by nongovernmental organizations active in the region. But given the annual recurrence of monga (seasonal food insecurity) in the northwest region owing to agricultural seasonality and an overwhelming dependence on agriculture for livelihoods, social safety nets are not a reliable tool for monga eradication. Programs are also needed to promote the income and productivity of the poor through diversification of income and employment.

Keywords: Safety Nets and Transfers, Rural Poverty Reduction, Food & Beverage Industry, Regional Economic Development, Housing & Human Habitats

Suggested Citation

Khandker, Shahidur R. and Khaleque, M. Abdul and Samad, Hussain A., Can Social Safety Nets Alleviate Seasonal Deprivation? Evidence from Northwest Bangladesh (October 1, 2011). World Bank Policy Research Working Paper No. 5865, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1952494

Shahidur R. Khandker (Contact Author)

World Bank - Development Research Group (DECRG) ( email )

1818 H. Street, N.W.
MSN3-311
Washington, DC 20433
United States

M. Abdul Khaleque

affiliation not provided to SSRN

No Address Available

Hussain A. Samad

World Bank ( email )

1818 H Street, NW
Washington, DC 20433
United States

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