Building a Targeting System for Bangladesh based on Proxy Means Testing

Abstract

This paper develops and discusses a Proxy Means Test (PMT) based household targeting system for Bangladesh. The PMT model derived from household survey data includes observable and verifiable characteristics on: (i) household demographics and characteristics of household head; (ii) ownership of assets; (iii) housing quality, and access to facilities and remittances; and (iv) location variables in a formal algorithm to proxy household welfare. Simulations of the model suggest that the proposed PMT formula is able to improve the targeting efficiency a considerable amount when compared to existing targeted safety net programs. However, numerous implementation challenges remain which include but are not limited to a cost-efficient data collection process, effective management of information and a feasible and cost-efficient monitoring and verification system to minimize fraud and leakage.