VoxDev 148d ago

Can the government just 'invent' jobs when times are hard? Public works programmes are used around the world to tackle unemployment and poverty by paying people to build roads, dams, irrigation systems and other public infrastructure. But do they actually work? In this episode of Economics Unpacked, we explore the economics behind public works programmes, sometimes called 'workfare', and what the evidence tells us about their real impact on jobs, wages, and long-term poverty reduction. Drawing on economic research from India and Ethiopia, we speak to economists Manisha Shah and Simon Franklin to discuss why public works programmes can be powerful, but are not a silver bullet. 00:00 What are public works programmes? 00:55 NREGA in rural India - Manisha Shah 05:00 PSNP in urban Ethiopia - Simon Franklin 09:18 Alternatives to public works programmes Economics Unpacked brings cutting-edge economic research to the public, breaking down complex policies with world-leading experts. If you’re interested in economics, public policy, or international development, this series is for you! #economics #india #ethiopia #policy #developmenteconomics