How formative research can improve the effects of household economic strengthening programs for children

Household economic strengthening programs should increase the welfare of households and children, yet research shows that these programs do not always improve children’s lives. These findings from interviews with families in Liberia provide information into how household decision-making affects children’s health and education. Recommendations illustrate how greater understanding of these dynamics can be used during program design to develop complementary programming and messages to maximize the benefit of these programs on children’s well-being.