Tackling Poverty, Depression, Malnutrition and Unequal Gender Norms: Evidence from a Light-Touch Graduation Program in Ethiopia

Summary

Graduation programs aim to help poor households overcome multiple constraints and sustainably exit poverty through one-time transfers, consumption support, and training. This research employs a cluster randomized controlled trial to assess the effectiveness of different combinations livelihoods and nutrition programming within a light-touch graduation program implemented at scale in Ethiopia. These included an experimental variation of the livelihood transfer modality, the inclusion of group psychotherapy for treating depression, intensive nutrition behavior change communication targeting child malnutrition, and men’s engagement groups designed to foster gender equitable attitudes and practices. The program improved some livelihood outcomes such as financial inclusion but did not significantly change overall consumption. Targeted mental health and nutrition interventions were effective primarily when combined with livelihood transfers, emphasizing the importance of combining livelihood components and additional complementary innovations for achieving broader impact in graduation programming.