The role of public versus private social safety nets in mitigating the impact of shocks in rural Pakistan

Abstract This study compares the protective effectiveness of Social Safety Nets (SSNs) provided by government and NGOs in rural Pakistan, using quasi-experimental methodology on PRPHS (2011–12) data. The treatment group was households receiving SSNs assistance. counterfactual (control group) determined propensity score matching. Outcome indicators were shock-coping strategies from which are theoretically protected SSNs: reducing food consumption, switching to cheaper food, distress asset sales. impact both types calculated average effect group. results showed insignificantly lesser units used than matched control unit, implying that either type SSN did not protect household resorting coping strategies. However, with public tended resort as a strategy. suggests have more private SSNs. JEL classification H31, H53, H55, H76.