Targeting social assistance in a transition economy: The Mahallas in Uzbekistan

Abstract

Falling output and living standards have pushed countries in transition from the socialist system to re-consider how best to target public resources on those in need. The paper investigates the workings of a new social assistance benefit in Uzbekistan, the largest of the former Soviet Central Asian republics, administered by community organisations, the Mahallas. Household survey data are used to assess the scheme’s success in targeting to the most vulnerable households, using a variety of indicators including income, durable goods ownership, agricultural assets, employment status, and anthropometric status of children