Impacts of Community-driven Development Programs on Income and Asset Acquisition in Africa: The Case of Nigeria

Abstract

This study evaluates the impacts of a community-driven development (CDD) project on household income and acquisition of productive assets in Nigeria. Using recall data, difference-in-differences, and propensity score matching approaches, the study finds that the project succeeded in targeting the poor and women farmers in its productive asset acquisition component. Participation in the project also increased the mean income of beneficiaries by about 40-60% but the impact of the project on income of the poorest beneficiaries was not statistically significant. Additionally, sustainability of this achievement is uncertain since the project did not involve rural credit services. The large cash transfer through its productive asset acquisition component is also unsustainable. Future studies should be undertaken using longer-term panel data to capture the pattern and trend of the impact of this project. © 2012 Elsevier Ltd.