Estimation of rates of return on social protection: Ex ante micro-simulation of social transfers in Cambodia

A. Mideros*, F. Gassmann, P. Mohnen

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

This study estimates the rates of return of non-contributory social transfer programmes in Cambodia using household-level data and going beyond standard cost–efficiency analyses by developing a dynamic microsimulation model. It shows that social protection promotes equitable economic growth by enhancing human capital and fostering economic performance at the micro level. A positive rate of return is achieved after 12 periods and can reach between 12 per cent and 15 per cent after 20 periods. This study shows that microsimulation models can be extended in order to analyse the long-term economic returns on social protection. © 2015 Taylor & Francis.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)67-86
Number of pages20
JournalJournal of Development Effectiveness
Volume8
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2016

JEL classifications

  • d69 - Welfare Economics: Other
  • j24 - "Human Capital; Skills; Occupational Choice; Labor Productivity"
  • o40 - Economic Growth and Aggregate Productivity: General
  • o15 - "Economic Development: Human Resources; Human Development; Income Distribution; Migration"

Keywords

  • Cambodia
  • microsimulation
  • rate of return
  • social protection
  • social transfers
  • computer simulation
  • economic growth
  • estimation method
  • human capital
  • social policy
  • MATTERS
  • CASH TRANSFERS
  • OPORTUNIDADES
  • MEXICO
  • POVERTY
  • INCOME
  • PROGRAMS

Cite this