The effects of livelihood empowerment against poverty on the beneficiaries in the Amenfi East Municipality

Abstract

Ghana has drafted and is implementing a National Social Protection Strategy (NSPS) aimed at protecting its vulnerable population. A major component of the NSPS is the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty Programme (LEAP). LEAP is both a conditional and unconditional direct cash transfer targeted at the poorest of Ghana’s population.This research was carried out in six LEAP communities in the Amenfi East Municipality of the Western Region of Ghana with the objective of assessing the effects of the programme on the beneficiaries. The study used both qualitative and quantitative methods in achieving the objectives of the study. It combined secondary literature and primary data.The findings of this study showed that LEAP in the Amenfi East Municipality has increased food security among the beneficiaries and been helpful in the education of the beneficiaries’ children. However, most of the beneficiaries have not had any opportunity to exit poverty and have not used the grant to engage in long term investment. The results of this study are intended to contribute to knowledge base on social protection in Ghana and the world at large and to bring to bear some of the challenges of LEAP.