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Lessons from evidence on food security policies in Argentina and the Region

Posté le 04/12/2025 by Natalia Aquilino

In recent years, Argentina and other Latin American countries have produced several studies on food security policies and cash transfers. However, this information is at times scattered and not always useful for guiding strategic decisions. 

In recent years, Argentina and other Latin American countries have produced several studies on food security policies and cash transfers. However, this information is at times scattered and not always useful for guiding strategic decisions. Therefore, a study was carried out in order to identify what is known (and what is not known) and determine how evidence can be converted into better public policies. Its scope, methodology, main results and possible implications for other countries are described below.

1. Scope and Objectives: When the forest cannot be seen for the trees

The study was part of a strategy to move from evaluating isolated projects each with its own funding, approaches, and metricsto comprehensively analyzing how these programs contribute to national food security policy. The study was carried out by Argentina's Secretariat for Strategic Affairs, as part of the International Financing Policy Evaluation Strategy (2019-23).

The overall objective was clear: to improve the quality of available evidence to design more effective policies, strengthen Argentina’s strategic evaluation capacity, and contribute to a better-informed public debate. On this basis, the study aimed to systematize findings, identify gaps, and provide a solid starting point for future research.

2. Methodology: A meta-evaluation to organize 15 years of evidence in the region

As there are already numerous studies—particularly in relation to a food card program and a universal child allowance program in Argentina, known respectively as Tarjeta Alimentar (TA) and Asignación Universal por Hijo (AUH) in Spanish The team decided to conduct a meta‑evaluation, which involved:

  • Systematic review of regional literature from 2008-21.
  • Construction of an evidence map on cash transfers in 15 countries.
  • Analysis of processes, impacts, focus, information systems and territorial management.
  • Review of 75 national studies on the TA and AUH programs in Argentina.

This strategy allowed us to organize the existing evidence, reduce future research costs, and focus priority evaluations on information gaps. 

3. Main Findings: What we know about cash transfers and food security

Transfers reduce poverty and indigence and improve food consumption

There is consensus throughout the region: cash transfer programs can reduce indigence, mitigate poverty and improve access to food. In Argentina, levels of severe food insecurity among households with the food card (Tarjeta Alimentar) are three times lower than those of poor households which do not receive it.

The impact on health and nutrition is positive, albeit with nuances

Regional evidence shows sustained improvements in child nutrition, anthropometric measures, and infant mortality. There is also a positive impact on consumption planning and diet quality, especially in meat, dairy products and staple food. However, the impact in other indicators (medical consultations, birth weight or neonatal mortality) is not so clear. This raises a fundamental issue: transfers alone are not enough if they come with no improvement in the quality of health and education services.

Evidence refutes the myth of work disincentives

A frequently asked question is whether cash transfers discourage job-seeking. The answer from serious evidence accumulated so far is quite clear: there are no significant negative effects on labor supply. This myth persists more in public debate than in empirical reality.

The role of local management and intersectoral coordination is decisive

One of the most interesting findings is the importance of territorial management. Programs work best when:

  • Health, education and social protection are coordinated.
  • Rules are clear and focused.
  • Information systems are compatible.
  • Territorial coverage is broad and sustained.

In federal countries, such as Argentina, Brazil or Mexico, this is particularly complicated.

Governance and political continuity are key to sustaining results

Successful programs share a common feature of good governance. Clear designs, defined responsibilities, stable funding and interministerial coordination mechanisms allow programs to withstand government changes and maintain their impact over time (the case of the Prospera Program, formerly known as Oportunidades and Progresa, in Mexico) is the most frequently cited example.

4. Consequences for Other Countries : What can be learned from Argentina and regional cases

Lessons learned from the study go beyond the Argentina or regional borders. For countries seeking to implement or strengthen cash transfer policies, the recommendations are clear:

  • Transferring income is not enough, and the quality of education and health services must be improved to enhance impact.
  • Updating the costs is crucial, especially in inflationary contexts.
  • Compatibility of information systems sharpens focus and reduces errors.
  • Territorial management is as important as design and policies must be backed by strong municipalities.
  • Shielding programs from political changes can be helped by robust governance.
  • Linking transfers to employment, labor protection and productive development to reduce inequality.

In short, cash transfers work. However, they are most effective when incorporated into integrated social protection systems, with good-quality services, and in states with coordination capacity.

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