Process And Outcome Evaluation For Conditional Cash Transfers On Food Security In Kilosa District, Tanzania

ABSTRACT

Based on the findings of the pilot areas, in 2015 the Government of Tanzania decided to scale up the Conditional Cash Transfers (CCTs) programme for the entire country. The programme aims to reduce consumption poverty among the poor. To date no evaluation has been carried on the programme; therefore, this study aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of CCTs programme in attaining food security to the poor in Kilosa District. The study aimed at examining whether the programme has been implemented as planned; examining whether the programme changes food security and food insecurity coping strategies. The survey was conducted in November and December, 2018 involving 120 households from five villages. Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) were also conducted. The descriptive statistics were used to analyze the quantitative data and qualitative data were analyzed through content analysis. Food security was measured by Food Consumption Score (FCS) and inferential analysis was done through ordered probit regression model. Results show that the programme was largely implemented as planned. Basic transfer and CCT were statistically significant at P ≤ 0.05 in influencing food security at borderline and at acceptable FCS. Likewise, CCTs received by child headed households was statistically significant at P ≤ 0.10 in influencing food security at poor FCS, statistically significant at P ≤ 0.01 at borderline and at acceptable FCSs. The present study found a significant decrease of 50% of the household that used negative coping strategies at the baseline. In conclusion the programme was largely being implemented as planned and food security has improved. The study recommends the programme to create more awareness on co-responsibilities, strengthening monitoring at village level, review the communication of programme grievances and allowances to CMC members. Lastly, the amount of transfers to the programme beneficiaries should be reviewed.