Household-based cash transfer targeting strategies in Zimbabwe: Are we reaching the most vulnerable children? (original) (raw)
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Cash transfer targeting strategies in Zimbabwe: are we reaching the most vulnerable children?
Census data, collected in July 2009, from 27,672 children were used to compare the effectiveness, coverage and efficacy of three household-based methods for targeting cash transfers to vulnerable children in eastern Zimbabwe: targeting the poorest households using a wealth index; targeting HIVaffected households using socio-demographic information (households caring for orphans, chronicallyill or disabled members; child-headed households); and targeting labour-constrained households using dependency ratios. All three methods failed to identify large numbers of children with poor social and educational outcomes. The wealth index approach was the most efficient at reaching children with poor outcomes whilst socio-demographic targeting reached more vulnerable children but was less efficient.
We used baseline data, collected in July-September 2009, from a randomized controlled trial of a cash transfer program for vulnerable children in eastern Zimbabwe to investigate the effectiveness, coverage, and efficiency of census-and community-based targeting methods for reaching vulnerable children. Focus group discussions and in-depth interviews with beneficiaries and other stakeholders were used to explore community perspectives on targeting. Community members reported that their participation improved ownership and reduced conflict and jealousy. However, all the methods failed to target a large proportion of vulnerable children and there was poor agreement between the community-and census-based methods.
World development, 2014
We used baseline data, collected in July-September 2009, from a randomized controlled trial of a cash transfer program for vulnerable children in eastern Zimbabwe to investigate the effectiveness, coverage, and efficiency of census- and community-based targeting methods for reaching vulnerable children. Focus group discussions and in-depth interviews with beneficiaries and other stakeholders were used to explore community perspectives on targeting. Community members reported that their participation improved ownership and reduced conflict and jealousy. However, all the methods failed to target a large proportion of vulnerable children and there was poor agreement between the community- and census-based methods.
BMC public health, 2015
Unconditional and conditional cash transfer programmes (UCT and CCT) show potential to improve the well-being of orphans and other children made vulnerable by HIV/AIDS (OVC). We address the gap in current understanding about the extent to which household-based cash transfers differentially impact individual children's outcomes, according to risk or protective factors such as orphan status and household assets. Data were obtained from a cluster-randomised controlled trial in eastern Zimbabwe, with random assignment to three study arms - UCT, CCT or control. The sample included 5,331 children ages 6-17 from 1,697 households. Generalized linear mixed models were specified to predict OVC health vulnerability (child chronic illness and disability) and social protection (birth registration and 90% school attendance). Models included child-level risk factors (age, orphan status); household risk factors (adults with chronic illnesses and disabilities, greater household size); and househ...
Social protection for orphans and vulnerable children in Zimbabwe: The case for cash transfers
International Social Work, 2010
The unprecedented number of orphans and vulnerable children in Zimbabwe has created an urgent need to create innovative ways to provide for the social protection of these children. Innovative packages consisting of educational, food and psychosocial support are being implemented by non-governmental organizations. However, as the orphan crisis continues to deepen, more needs to be done and, learning from the experiences of other countries, the option of cash transfers for social protection for orphans and vulnerable children offers an attractive option for Zimbabwe. This article explores the possibility of using cash transfers for the support of orphans and vulnerable children and highlights the challenges and strengths of this approach.
Academic Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies, 2013
Ghana's Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) program was implemented in 2008 to provide social protection to vulnerable groups, such as orphans and vulnerable children (OVC). This qualitative study explored how household size influenced the extent to which the basic needs of OVC were met. A purposive sampling method was used to recruit 21 households caring for OVC. In-depth interviews were conducted with 21 caregivers and 10 OVC, to gather data for the study. The findings indicated that household size influenced spending decisions of caregivers, although the cash transfer was conditional. Additionally, it was found that the cash received by caregivers was used to benefit all children in the households, both beneficiary and non-beneficiary. Based on the findings, we conclude that cash transfers will have the intended impact on beneficiaries if traditional family living systems and practices are taken into consideration in the design and implementation of national social protection programs.
East African Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies
Cash Transfer Programmes have been seen to positively contribute to livelihoods of vulnerable populations in most African countries. Although several studies have been conducted on the effects of cash transfer Programme for Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC), few have been done to investigate the effects of the programme on the beneficiary households. This study sought to assess the relationship between socio-economic characteristics of households receiving cash transfer Department programme for orphans and vulnerable children and livelihood outcomes. The study employed mixed methods research design and had a sample size of 281 research participants who comprised household heads. Quantitative data was coded and entered in computer for analysis using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 28. Descriptive data was analysed through descriptive statistics and presented in tables, frequencies, and percentages. The relationship between the study variables was measured through ...
2020
The purpose of this study was to assess the contribution of cash transfers (CTs) to poverty reduction through the improvement of children’s schooling and household health status in Tanzania. CTs are considered a popular social policy instrument to address the widespread poverty and encourage human capital investments in the education of children and household health. However, few studies have rigorously assessed their effectiveness in sub-Saharan Africa, especially in Tanzania. To fill the information gap, a case study was conducted by which both primary and secondary data were respectively collected through the administration of field data collection instruments and desk review of various documents on CTs in connection with children’s education and household health status. Both qualitative and quantitative approaches were employed to collect data from households receiving CTs and some key informants. Content analysis was used for the qualitative data while the quantitative data wer...