EFFECT OF PRODUCTIVE SOCIAL SAFETY NET PROGRAM INTERVENTIONS ON THE SOCIO-ECONOMIC SUSTAINABILITY OF BENEFICIARY HOUSEHOLDS IN KILOLO DISTRICT, TANZANIA.

Author

Charles Mwaisyula, Theobald Kipilimba, Falres Ilomo

Abstract

 This study assessed the effect of Productive Social Safety Net Programme (PSSN) interventions on the socio-economic sustainability of beneficiary households in Kilolo District, Tanzania. The study examined the effects of PSSN interventions on household income and livelihood activities, productive asset accumulation and the long-term socio-economic sustainability of beneficiary households. A mixed-methods approach using an explanatory research design was employed. Quantitative data were collected from 370 PSSN beneficiary households using structured questionnaires, while qualitative data were collected through key informant interviews with PSSN officials and local government leaders. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics through the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 26, while qualitative data were analysed using thematic analysis. The findings showed that PSSN interventions improved household income, supported livelihood diversification and increased productive investments and asset accumulation among beneficiary households. The programme also contributed to improved household savings, resilience to economic shocks and the ability of households to meet basic needs, including food, education and healthcare. However, the sustainability of these outcomes was affected by climate-related shocks, limited business skills, inadequate market access, limited business capital and insufficient post-graduation support. The study concludes that PSSN interventions have contributed to the socio-economic sustainability of beneficiary households in Kilolo District. The study recommends strengthening livelihood enhancement interventions, entrepreneurship and financial literacy training, access to financial services and markets, post-graduation support and cooperation among institutions to sustain the long-term socio-economic benefits of the programme.

Keywords

Productive Social Safety Net Programme, PSSN interventions, socio-economic sustainability, beneficiary households, Kilolo District, Tanzania.

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