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Effect of Core Design Features of the Unconditional Cash Transfer Program on Poverty Reduction among Households in Turkana Central Sub-County, Kenya
Subject area: Management and Commerce · Area of research: Finance and Accounting
Abstract
This study examines the effect of core design features of unconditional cash transfer (UCT) programs on poverty reduction among households in Turkana Central Sub-County, Kenya. Using a mixed-methods approach, the research analyzed data from 260 UCT beneficiaries. Findings reveal a significant negative relationship between the effectiveness of core design features and poverty levels (? = -0.628, p < 0.001), indicating that well-designed UCT programs can substantially contribute to poverty reduction. The study highlights the importance of regular, predictable transfers, appropriate targeting mechanisms, and sustainable program design in maximizing impact. However, challenges related to productive use of transfers, awareness of sustainability mechanisms, and beneficiary participation in program design were identified. Recommendations include optimizing transfer amounts and frequency, enhancing beneficiary support systems, improving communication strategies, and establishing robust feedback mechanisms. The study contributes to the literature on UCTs and poverty reduction in arid and semi-arid regions, supporting the Theory of Change framework in understanding how UCT design features contribute to poverty reduction outcomes.
Keywords
Unconditional cash transfers, poverty reduction, core design features
References
[1] Arnold, C. (2011). Cash Transfers: Literature Review. DFID Policy Division.
[2] Barrientos, A. (2011). Social transfers and chronic poverty: Objectives, design, reach and impact. Chronic Poverty Research Centre.
[3] Bastagli, F., Hagen-Zanker, J., Harman, L., Barca, V., Sturge, G., Schmidt, T., & Pellerano, L. (2016). Cash transfers: What does the evidence say? Overseas Development Institute.
[4] Blattman, C., Fiala, N., & Martinez, S. (2016). The long-term impacts of grants on poverty: 9-year evidence from Uganda's Youth Opportunities Program. National Bureau of Economic Research.
[5] Davis, B., & Handa, S. (2022). The impact of unconditional cash transfers on household consumption in Malawi. Journal of Development Studies, 58(2), 199-214.
[6] Haushofer, J., & Shapiro, J. (2013). Household response to income changes: Evidence from an unconditional cash transfer program in Kenya. Princeton University.
[7] Ikiara, G. K. (2009). Political Economy of Cash Transfers in Kenya. Overseas Development Institute.
[8] Michelle, A., & John, H. (2010). Conditional Cash Transfers in Latin America. World Development Report.
[9] Muyanga, M., & Burke, W. J. (2010). Pathways into and out of poverty: A study of rural household wealth dynamics in Kenya. Tegemeo Institute of Agricultural Policy and Development, Egerton University.
[10] UNICEF. (2011). Impact evaluation of cash transfer programmes in sub-Saharan Africa. UNICEF Eastern and Southern Africa Regional Office.
How to cite this paper
@article{1706234,
author = {Nancy Ajele , Muganda Munir Manini, Brian Wanyama Singoro},
title = {Effect of Core Design Features of the Unconditional Cash Transfer Program on Poverty Reduction among Households in Turkana Central Sub-County, Kenya},
journal = {Iconic Research And Engineering Journals},
year = {2024},
volume = {8},
number = {3},
pages = {1-7},
issn = {2456-8880},
url = {https://www.irejournals.com/formatedpaper/1706234.pdf},
abstract = {This study examines the effect of core design features of unconditional cash transfer (UCT) programs on poverty reduction among households in Turkana Central Sub-County, Kenya. Using a mixed-methods approach, the research analyzed data from 260 UCT beneficiaries. Findings reveal a significant negative relationship between the effectiveness of core design features and poverty levels (? = -0.628, p < 0.001), indicating that well-designed UCT programs can substantially contribute to poverty reduction. The study highlights the importance of regular, predictable transfers, appropriate targeting mechanisms, and sustainable program design in maximizing impact. However, challenges related to productive use of transfers, awareness of sustainability mechanisms, and beneficiary participation in program design were identified. Recommendations include optimizing transfer amounts and frequency, enhancing beneficiary support systems, improving communication strategies, and establishing robust feedback mechanisms. The study contributes to the literature on UCTs and poverty reduction in arid and semi-arid regions, supporting the Theory of Change framework in understanding how UCT design features contribute to poverty reduction outcomes.},
keywords = {Unconditional cash transfers, poverty reduction, core design features},
month = {September},
}