Perceived Contribution of Social Assistance Grant for Empowerment Towards Livelihoods of Older Persons in Rwamucuucu Sub County in Rukiga District

Abstract

Despite the several attempts by the government of Uganda to eliminate chronic poverty among households in different parts of the country, it still remains a threat as a number of populations are still below the poverty line. Several studies have been conducted on the contributions of the social assistance grants for empowerment towards improvement of older persons however there is little or no information on the on the perceived contributions of SAGE towards the improvement of older persons in Rwamucuucu Sub County. This study therefore seeks to understand the perceived contributions of SAGE towards improvement of older persons Rwamucuucu Sub County. The study employed a focus group discussion with 12 participants and one key informant. Additionally, the study employed a qualitative approach. The study was guided by the following objectives; to understand how SAGE has improved on the incomes of the beneficiaries, to explore the assets accumulation of the beneficiaries since the inception of the SAGE program in Rwamucuucu Sub County, and finally to explore how SAGE has reduced the vulnerabilities of the beneficiaries household in Rwamucuucu Sub County. Data was collected and analyzed into themes. The subthemes under improving beneficiaries’ income include; craft making, improvement in agriculture outputs, and acquiring livestock. Under reduced vulnerabilities the subthemes that emerged includes; better quality of life, access to medical care, and improved nutrition among others. The shows how SAGE has improved on the standards of living of the beneficiaries as most of them can afford to meet their basic needs as well as that of their household. The study concluded with recommending the need to increase the amount of money which is 25.000/= currently paid to 50,000/=