Poster #150 - Experiences of Beneficiaries and Implementers of Social Protection Programs: Contributions and Gaps to Inform Policy

• In Event: Saturday Poster Luncheon

Abstract

Background and Purpose: Poverty is mostly equated to the lack of financial resources; thus, poverty alleviation in most countries has mainly focused on supporting low-income households with cash transfers. While the economic situation of beneficiaries of social protection programs has improved in some cases, this improvement might not last if the help does not fully enhance their financial capability. Guided by the two frameworks—the capability and asset effect frameworks—this study explores the contributions of social protection programs and existing gaps. 

Methods: Utilizing a qualitative research method, the study sought to amplify the voices of program beneficiaries and administrators to understand the nuances and complexities of their experiences. Data was collected from fifteen purposively sampled beneficiaries and four administrators of Ghana's Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) program utilizing open-ended surveys, in-depth interviews, and obtrusive observations. Data collection from the beneficiaries occurred at cash payment events while the program administrators were engaged in their offices. Triangulation of the methodologies started from the data collection stage and continued throughout the data analysis. After transcription, systematic coding and thematic analysis were conducted using ATLAS.ti software, providing insights into patterns in beneficiaries’ and administrators’ experiences. 

Results: There was a shared sense that social protection programs have contributed to poverty alleviation among beneficiaries; however, the overwhelming evidence points to limitations in four domains: (1) insufficient reach to the most marginalized population, (2) inadequate cash grants, (3) beneficiaries' misuse of funds, and (4) limited emphasis on economic capacity building. Political interference in beneficiaries' enrollment in the program was observed to be a key cause of the misaligned grant allocation. At the same time, fund misuse was partly attributed to beneficiaries' limited capacity to channel their funds into economically profitable ventures. Policy and program ideas that emerged as viable strategies to enhance the program’s capacity to improve participants’ livelihood prospects fell under three domains: (1) financial capability competencies, (2) vocational and technical skills training, and (3) psychosocial support. The study accentuates the crucial role training in business skills and financial management could play in fostering the resilience of low-income population through supporting small business development and the judicious use of financial resources, all of which could help with better fund management. 

Implications and Conclusion: The results highlight the need to emphasize economic capacity building in social protection. From the perspective of the financial capability framework, social protection programs prioritize people’s “opportunity to act” through cash grants, with limited attention to their “ability to act,” which could be achieved through financial capability competencies and skills training. According to the asset effect framework and emerging evidence, programs and policies that advance social protection’s investment in both “opportunity” and “ability” could better foster beneficiaries’ economic security and stability, contributing to access to psychosocial support. Thus, there is a need for more research on how skills training and economic capacity-building tools can complement social protection programs. Additionally, implementing clear and strict guidelines for targeting and enrolling beneficiaries will reduce enumerators’ discretion and bias.

Author

• Jamal Appiah-Kubi, California State University San Bernardino
  Presenting Author