The programme
The Harmonized Social Cash Transfer (HSCT) programme provides cash to labour constrained and food insecure households across Zimbabwe. Beneficiary households receive between USD 10 and USD 15 each month, depending on household size.
The evaluation
The evaluation follows a two year mixed methods non-experimental design. It includes a quantitative and qualitative impact evaluation, an income multiplier study, a targeting study, and a process evaluation and costing study. The quantitative study will begin April 2013 and will compare beneficiary households from Phase 2 districts (Binga, Mwenzi, and Mudzi) to eligible households in Phase 4 districts (UMP, Chiredzi, and Hwange) that will begin to receive the transfers after the study’s time period. The qualitative study was carried out in 2012 and compared beneficiary households from Phase 1 districts (Goromonzi and Chivi) with non-beneficiary households from similar control districts (Seke and Masvingo).
Key findings
Qualitative
Improved self-reliance, food security, and school attendance
Increased resilience to shocks
Reduced casual labor
No impacts on local economy (local trading volumes or prices)
An increased participation in social networks (as church offerings, funeral contributions and informal transfers to friends and family)
