CASH TRANSFERS AND MIGRATION: THEORY AND EVIDENCE FROM A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL

Journal Article (Journal Article)

Will the fast expansion of cash-based programming in poor countries increase international migration? Theoretically, cash transfers may deter migration by increasing its opportunity cost or favor migration by re-laxing liquidity, credit, and risk constraints. This paper evaluates the impact of a cash-for-work program on migration. Randomly selected households in Comoros were offered up to US$320 in cash in exchange for their partic-ipation in public works projects. We find that the program increased international migration by 38% from 7.8% to 10.8%. The increase in migration appears to be driven by the alleviation of liquidity and risk constraints.

Full Text

Duke Authors

Cited Authors

  • Gazeaud, J; Mvukiyehe, E; Sterck, O

Published Date

  • January 6, 2023

Published In

Volume / Issue

  • 105 / 1

Start / End Page

  • 143 - 157

Electronic International Standard Serial Number (EISSN)

  • 1530-9142

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

  • 0034-6535

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

  • 10.1162/rest_a_01041

Citation Source

  • Scopus