A study on the effect of the Brazilian conditional cash transfer program on child nutrition

Purpose This study aims to investigate the impact of the Brazilian conditional cash transfer program (Bolsa Família Program – BFP) on the nutritional status of children in beneficiary families. Specifically, we examine the effects of the BFP on the following outcome variables: (1) energy intake in kcal, (2) carbohydrate consumption, (3) protein consumption and (4) lipid consumption. Design/methodology/approach This research utilizes microdata from the Household Budget Survey of the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE) for 2017 and 2018. We employ the ordinary least squares method for complex samples (ordinary least square Survey) and matching methods (propensity score weighting and propensity score matching) to account for the complex data structure. We also analyze heterogeneous effects in the country's macro-regions. Findings Our findings indicate that the BFP positively affects the average macronutrient consumption of children in beneficiary households, with the effects being more pronounced in Brazil's north and northeast regions. Practical implications Our study suggests that the BFP, as a conditional cash transfer program, can improve the nutritional status of children in beneficiary households. Originality/value To the best of our knowledge, this study contributes to the existing literature by examining the impact of the BFP on the macronutrient intake of children in beneficiary families. Peer review The peer-review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-03-2023-0216