Educational Impacts and Cost-Effectiveness of Conditional Cash Transfer Programs in Developing Countries: A Meta-Analysis

61 Pages Posted: 1 Oct 2013

See all articles by Juan Saavedra

Juan Saavedra

University of Southern California - Department of Economics; Center for Economic and Social Research (CESR)

Sandra Garcia

Universidad de los Andes, Colombia

Date Written: January 1, 2013

Abstract

We meta-analyze enrollment, attendance and dropout impact and cost-effectiveness estimates from forty-two CCT program evaluations in fifteen developing countries. Average impacts and cost-effectiveness estimates for all outcomes in primary and secondary schooling are statistically different from zero, with considerable heterogeneity. CCT programs are, all else constant, most impactful and cost-effective for programs that, in addition to transfers to families, also provide supply-side complements — such as infrastructure or additional teachers. Impacts are also larger in programs with infrequent payments and more stringent schooling conditions, which aligns with previous single program evidence. Impact and cost-effectiveness estimates from randomized research designs are smaller than those from observational studies.

Keywords: Conditional Cash Tranfer Programs, Program Evaluation, Childhood Health, Education

Suggested Citation

Saavedra, Juan and Garcia, Sandra, Educational Impacts and Cost-Effectiveness of Conditional Cash Transfer Programs in Developing Countries: A Meta-Analysis (January 1, 2013). CESR Working Paper No. 2013-007, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2333946 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2333946

Juan Saavedra (Contact Author)

University of Southern California - Department of Economics ( email )

3620 South Vermont Ave. Kaprielian (KAP) Hall, 300
Los Angeles, CA 90089
United States

Center for Economic and Social Research (CESR)

635 Downey Way
Los Angeles, CA 90089-3332
United States

Sandra Garcia

Universidad de los Andes, Colombia ( email )

Carrera Primera # 18A-12
Bogota, DC D.C. 110311
Colombia

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