Conditional Transfer Programs in Central America: challenges and progress in their design and implementation
The objective of this seminar was to discuss critical factors in the implementation of Conditional Transfer Programs (CCT) in Central America and learn about IDB's experience to respond to those challenges as presented in the evaluation: "Comparative Case Studies: Review of IDB Institutional Support to the Conditional Cash Transfer in Three Lower-Middle-Income Countries", published in 2015.
Also, new alternatives to improve the implementation and results of CCTs in the region were discussed among various public policy makers.
The seminar was attended by senior government officials from El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras; former directors of CCT in Colombia; recognized experts and economists from Latin America and IDB specialists.
Santiago Levy, Vice President for Sectors and Knowledge of the IDB and pioneer of CCT, opened the seminar with a presentation on the current situation and future challenges of these programs.
The following panels revolved around three axes identified in OVE’s evaluation: sociodemographic information as a cornerstone of the CCT; challenges in the provision, coordination and verification of services; and the challenge of payments. The seminar closed with a presentation by renowned economist Gonzalo Hernandez Licona on the effective reduction of poverty, followed by final comments by economist Sebastian Galiani and IDB Executive Director for Central America, Marlon Tabora.
