Effect of Cash Transfers on Hunger Reduction towards Achieving Sustainable Development Goals among Female-Headed Households in Siaya County, Kenya.

Abstract

The rate of hunger is high among developing economies derailing achievement of Sustainable Development Goals. Cash transfers provide social protection to the vulnerable. Kenya’s Inua Jamii programme issues CTs to Orphans and Vulnerable children, Persons living with Severe Disability and Old Persons. The main objective of this study was to establish the effect of cash transfers on hunger reduction towards achievement of SDGs among female-headed households in Siaya County, Kenya. Numerous literature on cash transfers and SDGs among female-headed households point towards a significant effect of CTs on reducing hunger. The study was founded on the Household Welfare Theory which suggests income and consumption as the best measurements of household welfare. The target population was 109,680 female-headed households in Siaya County and sample size of 399 FHHs using the Yamane formula. A correlational design was adopted to study the relationship between cash transfers and SDGs. Data was collected using a structured interview schedule. Reliability and validity of data instruments was tested during the pilot study and results found to be consistent with final study. A binary logit regression analysis of data collected revealed cash transfer to have a coefficient (-1.212) and p value (0.004). Increasing cash transfer by 1% significantly reduces probability of a FHH experiencing hunger by 1.2%. A higher frequency of meals and balanced diet in the household reduces hunger level. Conclusion was drawn that cash transfers had a significant effect on overall achievement of SDGs and further study can be done on nutritional outcomes. The study recommended more targeted approach in inclusion of female-headed households with special consideration to household size.