Income Distribution, Informal Safety Nets, and Social Expenditures in Uganda

Author/Editor:

Calvin A McDonald ; Christian Schiller ; Kenichi Ueda

Publication Date:

December 1, 1999

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:

Inequality in Uganda rose during 1989–95, although this rise moderated in 1993–95. In 1993–95, real food consumption became more equal. Regional and urban-rural disparities in income and variations in income accruing to individuals with different educational levels principally explain “between group inequality.” While informal safety nets appear to work for Ugandan middle-class families, a lack of mutual insurance among poor production workers and farmers accentuates the inequality trends. An expansion of formal safety nets would help this segment of the population. The intrasectoral allocation and benefit incidence of expenditures on education and health can be improved to reduce inequality.

Series:

Working Paper No. 1999/163

Subject:

English

Publication Date:

December 1, 1999

ISBN/ISSN:

9781451857917/1018-5941

Stock No:

WPIEA1631999

Pages:

41

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