The Cash Dividend The Rise of Cash Transfer Programs in Sub-Saharan Africa

This book assimilates results of a thorough review of the recent use of cash transfer programs in Sub-Saharan Africa. Drawing from sources including program documentation, policy papers, peer-reviewed publications, and interviews, it paints a picture of the evolution and current state of cash transfers, which include unconditional and conditional cash transfers and emergency- and development-focused transfers. It presents analysis from data collected, describing how Sub-Saharan African cash transfers typically vary by countries'¬" income status. It describes broad trends in design features and implementation, including objectives, targeting, benefits and transfer size, payment systems, conditions, graduation, communications, monitoring, evaluation, institutional location, piloting, program costs, and domestic ownership. The comprehensive nature of the review, and its thorough analysis of previously unassimilated data, fills a knowledge gap in knowledge of cash transfers in the region. The book provides information about the unique challenges associated with implementing cash transfer programs in the Sub-Saharan environment. It discusses lessons that have been learned and addresses the importance of confronting trade-offs inherent in implementing cash transfers in the region. Evidence presented from Sub-Saharan African cash transfers supports the conclusions drawn. The book also discusses issues related to political will and buy-in, and the need for research to inform design. Information on how some cash transfer programs in Sub-Saharan Africa have dealt with these issues, with varying degrees of success, is provided. The book is expected to provide useful information for the donor community and domestic policymakers involved in cash transfers and social protection (particularly those working in Sub-Saharan Africa), guiding both program design and research. It will help shift the debate on cash transfers in Africa from whether they are possible to how they can be best implemented. It will also be useful to policymakers involved in cash transfer programs in low-income settings outside of Sub-Saharan Africa.