The purpose of this study was to explore the role that social cash transfers play in reducing chronic poverty in developing countries. The study was set up following an upsurge in development policy on the use of social protection measures including cash transfers as effective means for reducing deep poverty levels and curtailing trans-generational transmissions of poverty. The study was in a form of a case, using the Malawi Social Cash Transfers (SCTs) Scheme.
It specifically aimed at exploring the targeting mechanism of the Malawi SCTs scheme, beneficiaries’ use of cash transfers, and on identifying synergies in the scheme. Using a mixed methods approach, the study was mostly based on the review of literature. This was supplemented by key informant interviews conducted by phone. The study found that overall, the Malawi SCTs scheme plays a significant role in moving chronically poor households out of their deprivations. Beneficiaries of the scheme were found to have increased capabilities in accessing food, education and health services and in acquiring assets such as livestock and permanent houses.
However, the study also found that despite its positive impacts, the scheme fails to reach out to all chronically poor households in the country. This was found to be a result of the targeting mechanism followed by the scheme. As such, it was found that the scheme faces a lot of challenges in implementing complimentary services since communities, based on the understanding that everyone is poor, exclude SCT beneficiaries from benefiting from other social protection programmes. Furthermore, it was found that erratic provision of transfers to beneficiary households erodes the positive impacts of the scheme. Therefore the study concluded that although SCTs play a significant role in reducing chronic poverty, better operational designs, such as use of domestic financing and universal targeting measures, would make the schemes more effective.
Table of Contents
- CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION
- Introduction
- Background to Country of Study
- Statement of the Problem
- Purpose of the Study
- Study Design and Methodology
- Justification of the Study
- Limitations of the Study
- Dissertation outline
- CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW
- Introduction
- Conceptualising Social Cash Transfers
- Conceptualising Chronic Poverty
- Linking Social Cash Transfers and Chronic Poverty
- What Rationale for Social Cash Transfers?
- What is known of Social Cash Transfers so far
- Impact on Poverty Gap, Hunger and Illness
- Impact on Gender Equality
- Impact on Human Capital Development
- The Wider Impacts of cash transfers
- Conclusion
- CHAPTER 3: THE MALAWI SOCIAL CASH TRANSFERS SCHEME
- Introduction
- Introduction to the Malawi SCTs Scheme
- Targeting Mechanism of the Malawi SCTs Scheme
- Use of SCTs by Beneficiaries
- Are there Synergies in the Scheme?
- Conclusion
- CHAPTER 4: DISCUSSION
- Introduction
- Does the Targeting Mechanism of the Malawi SCTs scheme aid in chronic poverty reduction?
- Does the usage of transfer money by beneficiaries support chronic poverty reduction?
- What is the implication of the issue of synergies on chronic poverty reduction in Malawi?
- Conclusion
Objectives and Key Themes
This dissertation aims to assess the role of social cash transfers (SCTs) in reducing chronic poverty, using the Malawi Social Cash Transfers Scheme as a case study. The study investigates the effectiveness of the scheme's targeting mechanism, the utilization of transfer money by beneficiaries, and the presence of synergies within the program, all in relation to their impact on chronic poverty reduction.
- The effectiveness of SCTs in reducing chronic poverty.
- The role of targeting mechanisms in ensuring SCTs reach the most vulnerable populations.
- The impact of beneficiary behavior and resource utilization on poverty reduction outcomes.
- The presence and importance of synergies between SCTs and other development initiatives.
- The applicability of findings from the Malawi case study to other contexts.
Chapter Summaries
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION: This chapter sets the stage for the dissertation. It introduces the topic of social cash transfers and their role in poverty reduction, focusing specifically on chronic poverty. The chapter establishes the research problem, highlighting the need for a thorough investigation into the Malawi Social Cash Transfers Scheme. It outlines the study's purpose, methodology, justification, limitations, and provides a roadmap for the subsequent chapters. The background on Malawi contextualizes the study within the specific socio-economic conditions of the country.
CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW: This chapter provides a comprehensive review of existing literature on social cash transfers and chronic poverty. It explores various conceptualizations of both SCTs and chronic poverty, examining different theoretical frameworks and empirical evidence. The chapter delves into the rationale behind implementing SCTs, reviewing diverse arguments and justifications for such programs. A significant portion of the chapter is dedicated to summarizing existing research on the impacts of SCTs across various dimensions, including poverty reduction, hunger, illness, gender equality, and human capital development. The chapter concludes by synthesizing the key findings and identifying gaps in the existing research, setting the groundwork for the empirical investigation in subsequent chapters.
CHAPTER 3: THE MALAWI SOCIAL CASH TRANSFERS SCHEME: This chapter provides a detailed description of the Malawi Social Cash Transfers (SCTs) Scheme. It outlines the scheme's design, implementation, and targeting mechanisms. The chapter investigates how beneficiaries utilize the transfer money, exploring various spending patterns and their implications. A crucial aspect of this chapter is the analysis of potential synergies between the SCTs scheme and other social programs operating in Malawi. The chapter synthesizes information on the program's structure, implementation, and observed effects to provide a comprehensive understanding of the Malawi SCTs Scheme as a case study.
CHAPTER 4: DISCUSSION: This chapter presents a critical analysis of the Malawi SCTs scheme, focusing on its effectiveness in reducing chronic poverty. It assesses the performance of the targeting mechanism, evaluating its success in reaching the most vulnerable populations. The chapter investigates the impact of beneficiary behavior on poverty reduction, analyzing how the use of transfer money affects household welfare. Furthermore, the chapter explores the implications of synergies or the lack thereof between the SCTs scheme and other development initiatives. This chapter connects the empirical observations with the theoretical framework presented in the literature review.
Keywords
Social Cash Transfers, Chronic Poverty, Malawi, Targeting Mechanisms, Poverty Reduction, Impact Evaluation, Development Policy, Beneficiary Behavior, Synergies, Case Study.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview
What is the main topic of this dissertation?
This dissertation assesses the role of social cash transfers (SCTs) in reducing chronic poverty, using the Malawi Social Cash Transfers Scheme as a case study. It investigates the scheme's effectiveness, focusing on its targeting mechanism, beneficiary resource utilization, and the presence of synergies within the program.
What are the key themes explored in the dissertation?
The key themes include the effectiveness of SCTs in reducing chronic poverty, the role of targeting mechanisms in reaching vulnerable populations, the impact of beneficiary behavior on poverty reduction, the importance of synergies between SCTs and other initiatives, and the applicability of findings to other contexts.
What chapters are included in the dissertation, and what are their focuses?
The dissertation comprises four chapters: Chapter 1 (Introduction) provides background information, the research problem, methodology, and study limitations. Chapter 2 (Literature Review) explores existing research on SCTs and chronic poverty. Chapter 3 (The Malawi Social Cash Transfers Scheme) details the Malawi SCTs scheme, its design, implementation, and beneficiary usage patterns. Chapter 4 (Discussion) critically analyzes the Malawi scheme's effectiveness in reducing chronic poverty.
What is the purpose of the study?
The study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the Malawi Social Cash Transfers Scheme in reducing chronic poverty by analyzing its targeting mechanism, beneficiary resource utilization, and the presence of synergies with other development initiatives.
What methodology is used in this research?
The provided preview doesn't detail the specific methodology. However, it indicates a case study approach using the Malawi Social Cash Transfers Scheme as the primary example. The study likely involves analysis of existing data and potentially qualitative research methods to understand beneficiary behavior and program impacts.
What are the limitations of the study?
Specific limitations are not explicitly stated in this preview. However, all research has limitations. These might include limitations in data availability, the generalizability of findings from a single case study, or potential biases in data collection or interpretation.
What are the key findings (as summarized in the preview)?
The preview does not offer specific quantitative findings. Instead, it outlines the structure and key areas of investigation: the effectiveness of the targeting mechanism, the impact of beneficiary behavior on poverty reduction, and the role of synergies between the SCTs and other initiatives in reducing chronic poverty in Malawi. The final conclusions would appear in the full dissertation.
What are the keywords associated with this dissertation?
Keywords include: Social Cash Transfers, Chronic Poverty, Malawi, Targeting Mechanisms, Poverty Reduction, Impact Evaluation, Development Policy, Beneficiary Behavior, Synergies, Case Study.
To whom is this dissertation intended?
This dissertation is intended for academic use, focusing on the analysis of themes related to social cash transfers and chronic poverty reduction. It is likely aimed at researchers, policymakers, and academics interested in development economics and poverty alleviation strategies.
- Quote paper
- Tuntufye Brighton Ndambo (Author), 2013, Can Social Cash Transfers Reduce Chronic Poverty? A Case Study of the Malawi SCT Program, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/317792
