Conditional Cash Transfers, Risk-coping Strategies and Aspirations: Impact Evaluations from Peru

The objective of this thesis is to analyse the promotive, preventive and transformative role of a conditional cash transfer programme in Peru. In particular, we analyse the unintended impact of Juntos on risk-coping strategies (migration and assets accumulation) and aspirations. Since the way risk-coping strategies and aspirations are formed may determine important consequences in terms of poverty, it is relevant to analyse to what extent conditional cash transfers may affect these dimensions. This thesis shows that the Juntos programme is able, not only to deter domestic migration from rural to urban areas, but also to allow beneficiary households to invest in productive assets and activities used for income generating activities. Additionally, the programme has also a psychological effect on beneficiary children who have higher aspirations about their future studies and work.