TARGETING THE POOREST: AN ASSESSMENT OF THE LIVELIHOOD EMPOWERMENT AGAINST POVERTY PROGRAM IN THE NAVRONGO MUNICIPALITY

Abstract

In recent times developing countries have resorted to the use of conditional and unconditional cash transfer programs as a means of alleviating poverty. This has been largely due to its success in Latin America. The main aims of these programs are not only to reduce poverty but to influence accumulation of human capita\. This study was carried out in the Navrongo Municipality. The work assessed the LEAP program by considering the mechanisms put in place to ensure compliance to conditionalities and how gender issues were manifested during the program design. This work also assessed the impact and the targeting processes of LEAP. The sampling techniques used included simple random sampling and purposive sampling. Data was gathered from both primary and secondary sources. Primary data was generated using questionnaires, focused group discussions, key informant interviews and interview guides. Secondary data was generated through office reports, documents and literature review. The findings of this study were very revealing as it came up clearly that there was no effective monitoring system to ensure compliance to conditionalities. The program favoured women slightly but had no comprehensive gender mainstreaming plan. It was discovered that the program had a profound positive impact on the lives of beneficiaries. However, beneficiaries and non beneficiaries did not understand the targeting process of the program. The study recommends that government should resource the various departments to be able to take on effective monitoring. Gender should be made part of the main theme of the program. Finally, the Social Welfare Department must step up their educational and sensitization programs to help people understand the targeting process.