Civil Conflict and Antipoverty Programmes: Effects on Demobilisation

Abstract

Antipoverty programmes have been successful in helping millions of people afford better livelihoods. While this is well known, little research has yet been conducted that examines the power of such programmes to influence outcomes in times of conflict, especially in countries where antipoverty programmes are implemented amidst disputes against illegal armed groups. This paper focuses on the implementation of Familias en Accion, a flagship antipoverty programme in Colombia during the early 2000s when the country was experiencing the crudest peak in its long-lasting internal conflict. Our estimations are based on a natural experiment that resulted from the rolling out of the programme which allowed us to identify a difference-in-differences approach. Our results indicate that the programme had positive effects on the demobilisation of combatants. The theoretical transmission channels of these effects are discussed and contrasted with the existing empirical evidence. JEL Classification: I38, D74

Public works programs and crime: Evidence for El Salvador

“…The literature on cash transfers, conditional or not, is even more conclusive. Camacho and Mejia (2013) have found that Colombia's Familias en Accion conditional cash transfer (CCT) program reduces urban crime in Bogota, while Pena, Urrego, and Villa (2015) conclude that the program also has positive effects on the demobilization of combatants. Crost et al (2016) suggest that the Philippines national CCT program is responsible for a decrease in conflict-related incidents in the country.…”

“…Camacho and Mejia (2013) have found that Colombia's Familias en Accion conditional cash transfer (CCT) program decreases urban crime in Bogota, while Pena et al. (2015) conclude that the program also has positive effects on the demobilization of combatants. Crost et al.…”

“…However, very few have looked at other collateral effects, such as crime and violence. While the effects of social protection programs on mitigating crime have been well documented in the literature (see, e.g., Blattman et al., 2017; Camacho & Mejia, 2013; Chioda et al., 2015; Crost et al., 2016; Pena et al., 2015), they are not related to public works programs, for which the evidence is much more scant. Alzua (2011) investigates the effect of introducing a massive workfare program on property crimes in Argentina, finding that such intervention can reduce property crime but has no effect on other kinds of crimes.…”

Public Works Programs and Crime: Evidence for El Salvador

“…Kling et al (2005) studied the assignment of housing vouchers via random lottery to public housing residents in five cities in the United States and concluded that it reduces arrests among female youth for violent and property crimes.The literature on cash transfers, conditional or not, is even more conclusive Camacho and Mejia (2013). have found that Colombia's Familias en Accion conditional cash transfer (CCT) program reduces urban crime in Bogota, whilePena, Urrego, and Villa (2015) conclude that the program also has positive effects on the demobilization of combatants Crost et al (2016). suggest that the Philippines national CCT program is responsible for a decrease in conflict-related incidents in the country.…”