| dc.description.abstract | Cash transfer program for older persons in Kenya started in 2007; the program is nationwide
and is currently covering over 58,600 older persons aged over 65 years old. Without a
reliable data concerning the effectiveness of the program, chances were high that it might fail
to convince stakeholders to support it in future. This study intended to evaluate the effects of
cash transfer on social networks of older persons in Ndhiwa District in Homa-Bay County.
Specific objectives of the study were; to examine the relationship between eating food
together and social networks of older persons, to find out the contribution of borrowing and
sharing food on the social networks of older persons and to determine the influence of
participation in community activities on social networks of older persons. Based on the
conceptual framework adopted from the Social Capital Theory authored by Bourdieu et al in
1983, a cross sectional descriptive research design was employed targeting a population of
375 older persons who were enrolled in the cash transfer program in Ndhiwa District.
Households were systematically randomly sampled by using Yasmane's (1967) sample size
calculation formula, and then 79 households were selected for the study. Data collection
instruments and methods included questionnaires; key informant interviews (KIls),
observation checklist and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs). Six key informants targeting; the
district commissioner, four area chiefs and one Divisional Social Development Assistant
(DSDA) participated. Two FGDs were conducted and the first one was composed of six
DSDAs while the second one consisted of members of the district older persons' committee.
Quantitative data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS
v 16.0) to produce descriptive statistics. While, qualitative data was sorted, consolidated and
categorized into themes and sub themes to strengthen discussion of the study findings.
Findings obtained from this study showed that, eating food together enhanced relationship
among family members. Through borrowing and sharing food, 76% of respondents were able
to eat at least three meals a day and thus not sleep hungry. 85% of respondents participated in
community activities that made them to know more people, thus, building on social capital.
This study concluded that Social cash transfers are effective and efficient in supporting
households that are vulnerable and has contributed greatly towards mitigating various socioeconomic
impacts associated with older persons. It is hoped that the findings of this study
will be useful for policy recommendation and programming in the area of cash transfer. | en_US |
