Assessing Administrative Capacity and Costs of Cash Transfer Schemes in Zambia ? Implications for Rollout
The Ministry of Community Development and Social Services (MCDSS) has taken the decision to rollout in 2009 a national social cash transfer scheme (SCTS) to cover the whole country by 2012. Thus far, social cash transfer schemes are being piloted in five districts in Southern and Eastern Provinces. The schemes are using structures created for the implementation of the Public Welfare Assistance System (PWAS) which rise from community level all the way to the national level. The adoption of pilot SCTS in Zambia follows the growing acceptance of social cash transfers as a means for assisting extremely poor households. Partly, this is due to the positive impact of conditional cash transfers in Latin America with respect to school enrolments, improved health and reduction in poverty levels for participating households. An evaluation of the Kalomo SCTS revealed a number of achievements with respect to impact on the beneficiaries including a rise in self-esteem and confidence among beneficiaries, reduced incidence of begging, increased food consumption, increased asset ownership and positive impacts for the local economy. Field work for this assessment although not focused on assessing impacts noted qualitative evidence of these findings. Implementation of pilot schemes started in 2004 with the Kalomo SCTS followed by one in 2005 in Kazungula, 2006 in Chipata and in 2007 in Monze and Katete. The schemes have been implemented with some variation so that they ?generate information on the feasibility, costs and benefits and negative impacts of a Social Cash Transfer Scheme?? (Zulu and Schuring, May 2007, p.1). Each of the pilot scheme has been designed to form a part of the learning agenda that would utilise lessons towards the design of a national social cash transfer. It is also being assessed as to the extent to which the PWAS structures are able to accommodate social cash transfer along existing social welfare activities.
Is there a Role for Cash Transfers in Climate Change Adaptation
This article assesses the potential of cash transfer programmes to contribute to adaptation goals in developing countries. It argues that cash transfers are likely to contribute to adaptive capacity by (1) meeting basic needs; (2) helping the poor respond to climate‐related shocks; (3) helping vulnerable households to manage risk and consider investment innovations that increase their adaptive capacity; (4) transferring money for investment in long‐term adaptive capacity development; and (5) facilitating mobility and livelihood transitions. While the article acknowledges that cash transfers cannot address all areas of adaptation, these transfers may be a prerequisite for further adaptation to be equitable and effective. When compared with other adaptation options, cash transfers fare well as they are supported by a substantial evidence base, do not require much climate‐related information, have a demonstrated potential for scaling up and are likely to gain local acceptance.
Empowering women through cash relief in humanitarian contexts
This paper discusses the rationale behind cash transfer strategies as an alternative means of channelling resources to women and men in humanitarian contexts. It highlights key gender-related considerations that contribute to the success of the strategy. Food aid remains the largest part of United Nations appeals, but it is often delayed, inadequate in quantity and quality, and donated as a means of disposing of surpluses from developed countries. 1 Despite these criticisms, little consideration has been given to alternatives - more specifically, to cash - as a means of ensuring entitlements. This paper highlights the factors that should be considered in determining the appropriateness of cash interventions, and explores the potential of cash interventions directed to women for improving household food security and women's status in the household and community.