Abstract:
This study intended to examine the contribution of Cash Transfer Programme (CTP) to poverty reduction among Female Headed Households (FHHs) in Nachingwea District, Tanzania. Specifically, the study focused at determining the contribution of CTP on access to education, health services and food among poor Female Headed Households (FHHs). A case study research design was used whereby the target populations were Female Headed Households and leaders in the District. A sample size of 66 respondents was drawn by using purposive and simple random sampling techniques. Purposeful sampling technique was applied to select sixteen (16) key informants and simple random sampling technique was applied to select fifty (50) Female Headed Households. Primary data were collected through questionnaires and interviews while the secondary data were collected through documentary review. Quantitative data collected were analysed descriptively by using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) whereas qualitative data were analysed through content analysis. The findings were presented through tables and statements.
The study revealed that Cash Transfer Programme has increased access to education, health services and food. Specifically, all children admitted to schools were getting the basic needs and attending schools regularly. Furthermore, all respondents and their household members were registered members of the CHF and also going to health facilities always when they fell sick. The study further established that the percentages of households taking three meals per day rose up to 74 percent as compared to 22 percent before the cash transfer programme. Conclusively, the role of the Cash Transfer Programme in reduction of poverty at household‟s level is significant and a basis for improved livelihood of the communities living under extreme poverty. This was evidenced by the findings whereby the programme succeeded to a great extent to achieve access to education, health and food.
The study recommends that there is a need to review our policies especially health policy so as to enable all citizens to be registered members of the National health insurance fund which enables them to get health services from dispensaries, health centres, hospitals and referral hospitals both private and public.
