Influence of Conditional Cash Transfer on Household Economic Outcomes: Perspective of Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) Beneficiaries in Builsa North District of Ghana

摘要

Abject poverty remains widespread in many parts of the world today despite the remarkable progress achieved since the Second World War. Though poverty levels in Ghana have declined in terms of hard-core poor, the decline in poverty has, however, not been geographically spread equally. Achieving poverty reduction goals in Ghana, the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) Social Grants scheme was introduced as an effective long-term response to extreme poverty among vulnerable groups. This study assessed the influence of LEAP Cash Transfer on the economic outcomes of beneficiaries in the Builsa North District of Upper East Region, Ghana. The study employed a case study design. Data was collected from 156 randomly selected respondents using qualitative questionnaires, and focused group discussions. The study found that LEAP has played a pivotal role at strengthening the economic and social fortunes of majority of vulnerable households. It has enhanced households’ ability to participate in social functions, access education/literacy as human capital asset, and access vast agricultural lands to undertake crop farming activities. The study recommends to the implementing ministry, the Ministry of Gender and its subsidiary agencies at the District level to educated beneficiaries of the CCT to believe more in their individual efforts with little support such as the cash transfer.