Cash Transfers and Guaranteed Minimum Income Programs:
Research, Evaluation, and Policy
Prague, Czech Republic
September 9-10, 2024
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“Cash Transfers in the MENA Region: Two Decades of Impact Evaluation and Lessons Learned”
Anis Brik, Hamad Bin Khalifa University
Assessing the Impact of Cash Transfer Programs on Socioeconomic Outcomes in the MENA Region: A Systematic Review
This systematic review evaluates the impact of cash transfer programs on various socioeconomic outcomes in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. This paper synthesizes findings from 60 studies published between 2004 and June 2024, focusing on critical areas such as poverty reduction, food security, education, health, and women’s empowerment. The findings reveal that CTs have significant potential to alleviate poverty and inequality, particularly in countries such as Iran and Egypt, where targeted programs have proven effective. Additionally, the intersection of CTs with energy subsidy reforms highlights the need for comprehensive policy frameworks that integrate these programs with broader economic reforms. The findings also underscore the importance of CTs in enhancing food security and nutrition, especially in conflict-affected areas. However, challenges such as implementation variability, targeting strategies, and long-term sustainability remain prevalent. This review concludes with recommendations for policymakers to prioritize cash transfer programs as a critical component of social protection strategies while emphasizing further research to address existing gaps and improve program design