Changes In Livelihoods Among Caregivers Of Leap Beneficiaries In The Asutifi North District

ABSTRACT In an effort to reduce poverty in Ghana, the Government designed a National Social Protection Strategy (NSPS) in 2008, with a cash transfer component known as the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP). Under the LEAP, vulnerable members of households are identified and caregivers are given cash support to supplement their incomes in order to improve care for the vulnerable members of their households. This study was conducted to: i) examine changes in the occupations and assets among LEAP caregivers following their enrolment unto the programme; ii) find out changes in livelihoods among LEAP caregivers; and iii) examine changes in social capital networks of caregivers. A mixed research approach was adopted. A combination of probability and non-probability sampling techniques was used to select a total of 255 respondents from a population of 653 caregivers. Data was collected through interviews and a self-administered questionnaire. The qualitative data was analysed thematically while the quantitative data was analysed using multiple techniques including: correlation and an independent t-test. The results indicated that: the main economic activities of caregivers are farming trading and cleaning related. These activities have not basically changed after becoming caregivers. However, instead of engaging in such activities on behalf of others they now own the businesses. Again, there have been a significant increase in the quantity of assets after becoming caregivers while social capital networks and benefits from these networks have also increased. It was thus concluded that the LEAP has had a positive effect on the acquisition of assets, occupations and social capital networks of caregivers.