Influence of Cash Transfer Program on Social Networks of Households in Bungoma County: Lessons for Use of Social Safety-Nets for Disaster Vulnerability Reduction

Abstract

Impact of disasters on vulnerable populations remain a concern world over which has created the need to reduce vulnerabilities to disasters a key focus at different global fora on disaster reduction. While Hyogo Framework for Action 2005-2015 and Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030 underscore the need for implementation of social safety-net mechanisms to assist vulnerable populations disproportionately affected by disasters, there is scanty information on how social safety-nets implemented in different parts of Kenya have impacted the socio-economic wellbeing of households. This study evaluated the influence of Orphans and Vulnerable Children Cash Transfer (OVC-CT) program on social networks of households, social engagement of beneficiary households, and assessed beneficiaries’ perception of community members’ feelings about their benefiting from OVC-CT program. The study, based on Putman’s 1995 theory of Social Capital, adopted a descriptive research design. The study involved 75 caregivers selected through multistage sampling. Data, collected using questionnaires, in-depth interviews, and Focus Group Discussions, was analyzed descriptively. While the study revealed positive influence of OVC-CT on social engagement of beneficiary households, it also showed that the program had contributed to perceived deep jealousy against beneficiary households. Although the OVC-CT program had enhanced social engagement of beneficiary households, it could weaken social capital in areas where it was implemented. It is recommended that for social safety-net programs to contribute to reducing vulnerability in communities, their implementation should as a policy entail strong element of community sensitization and community-based targeting processes in selecting beneficiaries to reduce hostility against beneficiary households.