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Child Deprivation and the Power of Cash: Evidence from Northern Uganda’s NUSAF3 Programme

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This paper presents the first empirical analysis of the Northern Uganda Social Action Fund 3 (NUSAF3) using a Consensual Approach child deprivation index based on socially perceived necessities. Panel data on a sample of NUSAF3 beneficiaries shows that between 2016 and 2021, child deprivation declined significantly among beneficiaries, especially among those receiving cash transfers. These reductions outpaced those seen among recipients of enterprise grants or skillstraining, and exceeded national trends. The findings support growing evidence on the effectiveness of direct cash transfers in reducing poverty and show the potential of the Consensual Approach for effective poverty reduction assessment.

Source: Child Indicators Research

DOI: 10.1007/s12187-025-10315-w

Authors: Marco Pomati, Shailen Nandy, Diego Angemi, Herbert Akampwera

Institutions: Cardiff University, United Nations Children's Fund

Language: English

Topic: Poverty, Education, and Child Welfare

Subfield: Safety Research

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: No poverty, Reduced inequalities, Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,490