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Wealth Effects Of An Asset-Building Intervention Among Rural Households In Sub-Saharan Africa, Gina A. N. Chowa, Michael Sherraden

Center for Social Development Research

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 …