Can transfers and behavior change communication reduce intimate partner violence four years post-program? Experimental evidence from Bangladesh [report]

Shalini Roy, Melissa Hidrobo, John F. Hoddinott, Bastien Koch, Akhter Ahmed
2019 unpublished
The International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), established in 1975, provides research-based policy solutions to sustainably reduce poverty and end hunger and malnutrition. IFPRI's strategic research aims to foster a climate-resilient and sustainable food supply; promote healthy diets and nutrition for all; build inclusive and efficient markets, trade systems, and food industries; transform agricultural and rural economies; and strengthen institutions and governance. Gender is
more » ... ed in all the Institute's work. Partnerships, communications, capacity strengthening, and data and knowledge management are essential components to translate IFPRI's research from action to impact. The Institute's regional and country programs play a critical role in responding to demand for food policy research and in delivering holistic support for country-led development. IFPRI collaborates with partners around the world. Abstract Little is known about whether reductions in intimate partner violence (IPV) from cash transfer programs persist over the longer term. Using a randomized controlled trial design, we show that a program providing poor women in rural Bangladesh with cash or food transfers, alongside nutrition behavior change communication (BCC), led to sustained reductions in IPV 4 years after the program ended. Transfers alone showed no sustained impacts on IPV. Evidence suggests cash and BCC led to more sustained impacts on IPV than food and BCC -through persistent increases in women's bargaining power, men's costs of perpetrating violence, and poverty-related emotional well-being.
doi:10.2499/p15738coll2.133421 fatcat:pg5nal4kofgdhpwfxiu5tkt3be