IMPACT OF CONDITIONAL CASH TRANSFER PROGRAMME ON HOUSEHOLDS’ ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT IN NASARAWA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

The paper examined the impact of conditional cash transfer programme on households’ economic empowerment in Nasarawa State. It is qualitative study that used primary data, collected through interviews and focus group discussion (FGD). 140 beneficiaries participated in the FGD, while interviews were conducted with 6 stakeholders. The study adopted content and narrative analysis for the data analysis. Results of the analysis show that CCT has brought about full employment to beneficiaries households because of the new businesses identified. It has also led to increases in labour force participation rates among beneficiary households and communities at large. CCT has increased access of beneficiaries to financial services, including savings, credit and insurance as well as increase their financial literacy. Beneficiaries have the opportunity to own assets, such as land, housing, livestock and other productive due to the CCT intervention. Similarly, beneficiaries built skills along the supply chains with value-added activities, which also enhance their access to markets. The study concluded that CCT programme has demonstrated capacity to change the narratives of women in the communities by improving their income and give them wealth. The paper based on the findings recommended that more funds be made available to scale-up the programme in the state, and there is need for institutionalization of CCT programme in Nasarawa State through legislation by devoting a percentage of its revenue into the programme for effective service delivery