An explorative study of the role of child social grants in the livelihoods of recipients: A case study of Ondobe constituency, Ohangwena region, Namibia
Loading...
Date
2022
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Namibia
Abstract
The main aim of this study was to explore the role that the Child Social Grant (CSG) plays in the livelihoods of recipients, using a case study of Ondobe Constituency, Ohangwena Region, Namibia. The Namibian government has taken concrete steps to address child poverty and social exclusion through child social grants. The Child Social Grant has proven to be successful as it has been able, according to a report by the Ministry of Gender Equality Child Welfare (MGECW) and the National Planning Commission (NPC) (2013), to play a vital role in reducing the burden of poverty by helping caregivers to provide for the children’s basic needs, and supporting household economic activities. The study sought to understand the role of the grant from the lived experiences of the recipients and to make some recommendations on the appropriate policy instruments and restructuring on how to improve the well-being of children in Namibia. A qualitative research method was used in the study. Face to face individual in-depth interviews were used for data collection. Interviews took place at participants’ households where they felt comfortable in their natural settings. The thematic data analysis method was used for data analysis. The findings of the study showed that, despite the small value of the grant, it was effective as it raised the livelihoods of recipients, as they explained that the grant made a difference in their lives and that they were able to access the basic needs for their children. The study further revealed that the majority of the participants experienced hardships in terms of employment and financial support. Despite good policies that have been put in place and the government’s efforts at reducing poverty, the backlog of service delivery continues to plague the government's ability to benefit the most vulnerable people in the society. ii Because, as successful as it may be, the Child Social Grant, as a social welfare strategy, seems inadequate. People are still living in poverty due to the lack of job opportunities. It is therefore, important for the country to focus resources on the less privileged and equipping them with skills for them to become self-sufficient and productive citizens.
Description
A thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Arts (Development Studies)
Keywords
Child Social Grant, Poverty in Namibia, Ministry of Gender Equality Child Welfare, Ohangwena region