Economic Policy Research Institute

A guide for policymakers, programme officials and donor agency representatives.

Social transfers are direct cash payments - or, in some cases, food or vouchers - from governments or other public-oriented institutions paid to poor individuals and households with the aim of reducing poverty. Around the world developing countries are increasingly recognising the value of this innovation in reducing extreme poverty - with success stories in Africa, Asia and Latin America. This guide serves as a tool for government policy-makers, programme officials and donor agency representatives responsible for designing, implementing, managing and monitoring cash-based social transfer programmes. The guide provides both concrete recommendations as well as a wealth of lessons from international experience.

The cost of the publication, electronic databases and ground shipping is funded by the Department for International Development (DFID).