EFFECT OF SOCIAL PROTECTION PROGRAMMES ON HOUSEHOLD FOOD SECURITY IN THE TOLON DISTRICT: A CASE OF THE LIVELIHOOD EMPOWERMENT AGAINST POVERTY PROGRAMME IN GHANA

Abstract

Social protection programmes such as the LEAP have been identified as welfare enhancing approaches toward enhancing food security among rural households in developing countries including Ghana. The LEAP focuses more on health, education and poverty reduction with minimal attention to its impact on household food security. This study assessed the impact of the LEAP as social protection programme on household food security in the Tolon District of the Northern Region. A multi-stage sampling technique was employed to randomly select 400 participants and non-participants in the district. Food security indicators were computed using consumption expenditure on food (Adult equivalent), Household dietary diversity score (HDDS) and Household food insecurity access scale (HFIAS). An Endogenous Switching Regression (ESR) model was used to estimate the effects of determinants of participation in the LEAP programme and the impact of participation on household food security. Findings revealed that; the age of household head in the community, access to potable water and employment status of household head, receipt of remittance, ownership of farmland, ownership of livestock (sheep/goat), nearness to market and, access to electricity influence participation in the LEAP programme. Findings further revealed that participation in the LEAP programme has a positive impact on beneficiaries (ATT), which showed a percentage change in consumption expenditure, Household Dietary Diversity and a decrease in household food insecurity by 8%, 36% and 59% respectively. Free health insurance, Ghana education capitation grant, and the Ghana School Feeding programme are the most effective complementary services to the LEAP programme in the study area. It is recommended that Government should extend the programme to cover more poor households, especially those targeted and have not been enrolled. Authorities should also improve efforts to make other complementary social intervention programme to the LEAP more effective.