رسائل ماجيستير
English
2012
Food subsidy reform: case of Egypt
Deena Abdallah Omar, Ibrahim El Nur
كلية العلوم الانسانية والاجتماعية-الجامعة الأمريكية بالقاهرة · مصر
Consumer subsidies are a common element of safety net programs in many developing countries. Since these programs often represent a considerable share of government budget spending, many developing countries have introduced reforms to decrease inefficiencies and escalating fiscal costs, but with limited success. In Egypt, the subsidy program is more extensive than most programs in other developing countries.In my thesis I focus on one aspect of state provisions in Egypt represented in food subsidy particularly the rationing scheme or the ration cards. I explore the latest reform that was done in the rationing system in 2008 which is the introduction of the smart ration cards. I explore the response of the target beneficiaries to the introduction of the smart cards as the culmination of a series of reforms in the system that has taken place over the past four decades. I also derive implications from my qualitative analysis about the shortcomings of the rationing system and conclude with possible policy options to address the problems of the rationing system. My recommendations are primarily to adopt an empowerment approach that helps to break the inter-generational cycles of poverty in the long run. I propose that this could be achieved through a public community partnership approach first through targeting of subsidies which would build social capital through involvement in the decision making process. Then through the concept of co responsibilities such as the Mexican experience where the poor actually abide by certain conditions â mainly increasing access to education and health services- in order to get economic assistance.
