Public works programs and labor market outcomes
A&R Carton, Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL)JPAL
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What is it?
Public works programs in low- and middle-income countries provide participants with short-term employment and earnings boosts.
These programs usually do not lead to lasting labor market benefits when measured several years after implementation, though they often generate lasting effects on asset accumulation and savings.
HIGHLIGHTS
Public works programs (PWPs) have become a common way in which policymakers attempt to alleviate poverty and reduce unemployment.
These programs provide short-term, government-sponsored employment on infrastructure and community-service projects.
PWPs vary widely by the type of project being constructed, program duration, participant enrollment criteria, and deployment context.