Effect of Cash Transfers in Enhancing Resilience to Climate Shocks in Pastoralists Households; a Case Study of Turkana East Sub County

Abstract

Kenya has implemented cash transfer programs to decrease the effects of natural occurring disasters on community welfare and livelihoods due to the increasing severity of droughts and other catastrophes. In many developing nations, social protection measures are typically targeted towards the disadvantaged people to lessen overall vulnerability. Cash transfers play a significant role in these initiatives. The goal of the study was to investigate the impact of HSNP program on household food security and nutrition, risk-coping, asset accumulation and retention, enhancing human capital and livelihoods in Turkana East . Further, the research developed four research questions to lead the research. The population targeted for the study was 377 HSNP beneficiaries in Turkana East Sub County. Simple random sampling was utilized in the study's mixed-method research design to choose HSNP beneficiaries, and purposive sampling was used to pick the study's key respondents. Structured questionnaires were utilized to collect the data, which was then analyzed using the statistical software for social sciences (SPSS) and displayed as tables, bar charts, and percentages.From the study results, the HSNP program facilitated the beneficiaries to change of food consumed by HSNP beneficiaries. HSNP is a guaranteed and predictable source of income and helps in lifting households. Further, it was established that HSNP program had led to increased investment in business activities, investment in goats and investment in chickens. HSNP program has a great impact on food security improvement in 91% of the households, 86 (29.6%) of the respondents said the program had little impact on household food security. Finally, it was established that cash transfers had led to an increase in improved livelihoods. From the analyzed data, it was recommended that the government should increase the amount of money distributed through the HSNP program as this would boost the beneficiarys’ food affordability. Also, the beneficiaries should undergo financial literacy programs as this would help them manage the little cash. In addition, effective and efficient distribution systems to be adopted to solve delayed distribution of money in some months. HSNP beneficiaries should invest in livestock and agricultural operations to enhance asset accumulation and retention. Further, the registration of the HSNP beneficiaries should be rechecked to ensure the selected cases are genuine. There is also a need for the government to expand the program to include more vulnerable people in the area. The study results should be used as the basis for further research.