Targeting support for the elderly poor: The example of social pensions in Bangladesh
Background
Old-age poverty is becoming a concern for low- and middle-income countries including Bangladesh. Many elderly poor depend on ‘Old Age Allowance’ – social cash transfers by the government – to satisfy their most basic needs; however, the selection of beneficiaries is often arbitrary and unfair.
Objective
This project aims to contribute to the knowledge on how targeting of social transfers can be improved for the elderly poor in Bangladesh.
Expected Benefits
- In Bangladesh: We hope to achieve a more transparent and fair allocation of limited resources for the Old Age Allowance that results in improved effectiveness in reducing old-age poverty. Institutional performance related to the selection of beneficiaries and satisfaction with the work of local government officials are expected to improve along with it.
- In Switzerland: Knowledge will be generated that is relevant for projects implemented by Swiss development organizations working in the areas of social protection and local governance. Furthermore, the data collected will contribute to scientific exchange with other researchers working on related topics. Finally, the project will provide insights relevant for local governance more generally.
Contact Information
Katharina Michaelowa, , phone.: +41 44 634 48 81
Institute of Political Science, University of Zurich
