Financial Inclusion Global Asset Building Working Paper

Wealth Effects of an Asset-Building Intervention Among Rural Households in Sub-Saharan Africa

Asset development is a key strategy to promote economic and social development in Sub-Saharan Africa. Research has found associations between asset ownership and household well-being. However, to date there has been little rigorous research on impacts of asset-building interventions for families in SSA. In this study, we analyze wealth outcomes of a matched savings intervention among rural households in Masindi, Uganda. Using propensity score matching and difference-in-differences, significant differences are found on the adjusted means for financial assets ($1,323.01), total wealth ($1,72.18), and net worth ($2,048.20). Overall, results show that asset-building interventions have potential utility as a policy solution for improving the economic well-being of poor households in SSA.

Subsequent publication: Chowa, G. A., Masa, R. D., & Sherraden, M. (2012). Wealth effects of an asset-building intervention among rural households in Sub-Saharan Africa. Journal of the Society for Social Work and Research, 3(4), 329–345. doi:10.5243/jsswr.2012.20

Project: AssetsAfrica

Citation

Chowa, G., & Sherraden, M. (2009). Wealth effects of an asset-building intervention among rural households in Sub-Saharan Africa (CSD Working Paper No. 09-57). St. Louis, MO: Washington University, Center for Social Development.