Examining the household benefits of the senior citizens’ grant (SCG)

Abstract

The study was conducted for a period of about three months from SCG beneficiaries in Usuk Parish. This study was descriptive in nature and it examined the household benefits of the SCG cash transfer to its beneficiaries, majorly with its focus on the household food security, livelihood security and asset accumulation. The study participants were exclusively SCG beneficiaries and their household members as well as local leaders. The study population comprised of Senior Citizens’ Grant (SCG) beneficiaries who were enrolled into the programme after having been found eligible. Data was collected using a mixed method approach; surveys, in-depth interviews, key informant interviews and Focused Group Discussions. Simple random sampling was used in selecting the respondents for the study. The intended quantitative Sample size was primarily 89 respondents however the study managed to conduct quantitative survey from 70 respondents. Findings from the study unveil the paramount benefits of the SCG cash transfer to the household of the beneficiaries. Some beneficiaries used the cash transfer to acquire productive assets such as seeds, farm inputs and to hire ox-ploughs or casual laborers to clear farmland for small-scale farming to enable them increase the size of land for cultivation and increase produce. The improvement in the quality of life, food security as well as livelihood security depicts the impact of the cash transfer to the beneficiaries unlike before the rollout of the programme to the community. Findings from the study unveil the paramount benefits of the SCG cash transfer to the household of the beneficiaries. Some beneficiaries used the cash transfer to acquire productive assets such as seeds, farm inputs and to hire ox-ploughs or casual laborers to clear farmland for small-scale farming to enable them increase the size of land for cultivation and increase produce. Beneficiaries enrolled into the SAGE program should be assisted, trained and informed on maximum utilization of the cash transfer and safeguard their household from food insecurity and scarcity in times of unprecedented catastrophe. The household family members should be encouraged to invest more of their resources in food production rather than purchase except on rare occasions.