An Assessment of the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty Programme in the Bongo District, Ghana

It assesses the implementation of the livelihood empowerment against poverty program ( LEAP) in the Bongo District, Ghana

ABSTRACT
Ghana has drafted and is implementing a National Social Protection Strategy (NSPS)aimed at protecting its vulnerable population. A major component of the NSPS is theLivelihood   Empowerment   Against   Poverty   Programme   (LEAP).   LEAP   is   both   a conditional and  unconditional   direct  cash transfer   targeted   at  the poorest   of  Ghana’s population. This research was carried out in 44 LEAP communities in  the Bongo District of theUpper East Region of Ghana with the objective of assessing the implementation of the programme. The study used both qualitative and quantitative methods in achieving the objectives   of   the  study.   It   combined  secondary   literature   and   primary  data   collected through   extensive   literature   review,   interviews,   focus   group   discussions   and   field observation The findings of this study showed that LEAP in the Bongo District has increased the consumption   of   basic   needs   by   beneficiaries,   high   awareness   of   the   LEAP conditionalities and some engaged in small scale businesses with the grant. However, most   of   the   beneficiaries   are   unaware   of   the   sanctions   for   non   compliance   of   the conditionalities. The results of this study are intended to contribute to knowledge base of social protection in Ghana and the world at large and to bring to bear some of the challenges of LEAP intervention while providing recommendations.

Table of Contents

DECLARATION

ABSTRACT

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

List of Acronyms

CHAPTER ONE

BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY

Introduction

1.2 Statement of the Problem

1.3 Research Questions

1.4 Objectives of the Study

1.5 Theoretical Framework of the study

1.6 Justification of the Study

1.7 Scope of the Study

1.8 Limitation of the Study

1.9 Organisation of the Study

CHAPTER TWO

POVERTY AND SOCIAL INTERVENTIONS: A REVIEW OF THE 

LITERATURE

2.1 Introduction

2.2 The Dimension, Causes and Measures to reduce Poverty.

2.2.1 The Dimension of Poverty

2.2.2 Causes of Poverty

2.2.3 Measures to reduce Poverty

2.3 Social Intervention/Protection Programmes

2.3.1 Bolsa Familia Programme in Brazil

2.3.2 South Africa’s Child Support Grant (CSG)

2.3.3 The Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) Programme

2.4 The Conceptual Framework of the study

CHAPTER THREE

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY AND PROFILE OF THE STUDY AREA

3.1 Introduction.

3.2 Research Methodology

3.2.1 Research Approach/Design

3.2.2 Sampling Design/Techniques

3.2.3 Data Sources and Collection

3.2.4 The Target Group/Population for the study

3.2.5 Sampling Frame

3.2.6 Sample Size Determination

3.2.7 Data Analysis Tools and Management

3.3 Profile of Bongo District

3.3.1 Location and Size of the Bongo District

3.3.2 Population Size and Growth Rates

3.3.3 Age-Sex Structure.

3.3.4 Ethnicity and Religious Affiliation

3.3.5 Rural/Urban Split

3.3.6 Poverty Levels in the District.

3.3.7 Major Economic Activities

CHAPTER FOUR

ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSIONS.

4.0 Introduction

4.1 Demographic Characteristics of LEAP Beneficiaries

4.1.1 Age and Sex of Beneficiaries

4.1.2 Religious Affiliation

4.1.3 Occupation

4.1.4 Marital Status

4.1.5 Educational Background

4.1.6 Size of Household.

4.2The LEAP Grant and Small Scale Businesses

4.2.1 Do you engage in Business with LEAP Grant?

4.2.2 Type of Businesses

4.2.3 Uses of profit from Businesses

4.3The LEAP Grant and Basic Necessities of Beneficiaries

4.3.1 Sources of livelihood

4.3.2 Uses of the LEAP grant

4.3.3 Has the grant increases your consumption of basic necessities

4.3.4 In-kind services such as clothes, food etc instead of cash?

4.4Compliance to LEAP Conditionalities by beneficiaries

4.4.1 Awareness of LEAP conditionalities

4.4.2 Are the conditions difficult to comply

4.4.3 Sanctions for non compliance of conditionalities

4.4.4 Necessity of conditionalities.

4.4.5 Changes in conditionalities

CHAPTER FIVE

SUMMARY OF KEY FINDINGS, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

5.1 Introduction

5.2 Summary of key findings.

5.2.1 Major Findings from the Reviewed Literature.

5.2.2 Findings from the Demographic background of Beneficiaries

5.2.3 The LEAP Grant and Small Scale Businesses

5.2.4 The LEAP Grant and Basic Necessities of Beneficiaries

5.2.5 Compliance to LEAP Conditionalities by beneficiaries

5.3 Conclusion.

5.4 Recommendations

References

Appendices