Burkina Faso: Policies to Protect the Poor From the Impact of Food and Energy Price Increases

Author/Editor:

Isabell Adenauer ; Javier Arze del Granado

Publication Date:

August 1, 2011

Electronic Access:

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Disclaimer: This Working Paper should not be reported as representing the views of the IMF.The views expressed in this Working Paper are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent those of the IMF or IMF policy. Working Papers describe research in progress by the author(s) and are published to elicit comments and to further debate

Summary:

This paper assesses the effectiveness of policies taken by the Burkinabè authorities to protect the poor from the adverse impact of a combined food and oil price shock in 2008. Estimates of the impact based on household survey data and a price pass-through model suggest that these policies were not well-targeted, benefiting the wealthier groups of the population rather than the poor. More effective policy measures, such as a conditional cash transfer system, which is already being implemented on a pilot basis in urban areas, are discussed as an alternative policy option.

Series:

Working Paper No. 2011/202

Subject:

English

Publication Date:

August 1, 2011

ISBN/ISSN:

9781463902117/1018-5941

Stock No:

WPIEA2011202

Pages:

25

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