Ghana

The programme

The Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) programme began in March 2008 and currently reaches over 70,000 households in Ghana. The programme provides cash transfers and health insurance to extremely poor households to reduce short‐term poverty and promote long‐term human capital development. Households receive 4-8 USD every 2 months, and are enrolled in Ghana’s national health insurance programme.

Evaluation

700 beneficiary households were interviewed in 2010 as part of the baseline quantitative data collection. A non-beneficiary comparison group of 700 households was selected from a separate household survey (ISSER). Both groups were interviewed in 2012 as part of the follow-up quantitative data collection.

Qualitative research was conducted in 2012 in two districts - Komenda and Twifo Praso.

Key findings

Quantitative

 Food insecurity decreased for LEAP families especially for female-headed households;
 90% of LEAP families were enrolled in the National Health Insurance Scheme;
 Increase in school enrolment and attendance;
 No impacts on consumption;
Positive impacts on non-consumption and savings.

Local Economy

 LEAP has a potential total income multiplier of GHS 2.50.

Qualitative

 Beneficiary households better able to invest in a range of economic activities.
 Contributed marginally to increased economic exchanges in the local economy.
 No impact on overall risk sharing and economic collaboration in communities.
 Positive impact on beneficiary inclusion in existing social networks through greater self esteem, visibility and a raised social status.