BRAC Graduation Programme
BRAC / MIT / multiple governments · Bangladesh (original); replicated in 10 countries · 2007
Summary
The BRAC Graduation Programme tackled a structural gap in anti-poverty programs: existing approaches didn't reach the ultra-poor, who lacked the basic assets and stability to benefit from microfinance or training. The multi-component 'graduation' package—productive assets, consumption support, savings, skills, and intensive coaching delivered together—produced positive results in 5 of 6 countries in a simultaneous international RCT. The parallel multi-country design, published in Science, is methodologically unprecedented in development. The program's name reflects its theory: giving ultra-poor households enough of a push to permanently transition into the economic mainstream.
Research question
"Can a multi-faceted program (asset transfer + training + support) graduate ultra-poor households out of chronic poverty?"
Methodology
Intervention
Productive asset transfer (livestock), skills training, cash stipend for 18 months, savings access, health education, and regular support visits
Assignment
Randomized controlled trial (household); replicated across 6 countries simultaneously
Sample size
10,495 households across 6 countries (Ethiopia, Ghana, Honduras, India, Pakistan, Peru)
Primary outcome
Consumption, assets, food security, financial inclusion, time use
Effect estimate
Consumption: +5% (pooled); assets: +16%; food security: +9%; financial inclusion: +23%; psychological well-being: improved; effects significant in 5 of 6 countries at 3-year follow-up
Decision
Graduation model adopted by World Bank, CGAP, and 50+ governments; now standard ultra-poverty intervention design
Result
Positive
Consumption: +5% (pooled); assets: +16%; food security: +9%; financial inclusion: +23%; psychological well-being: improved; effects significant in 5 of 6 countries at 3-year follow-up
Evidence strength
Strong
Randomized trial, replicated across multiple sites or studies.
Replication status
Replicated
Institution
BRAC / MIT / multiple governments
Location
Bangladesh (original); replicated in 10 countries
Year
2007
Policy area
International Development
Mechanism
Cash transfer