The impact of cash transfers on food security

Social cash transfers (SCT) have increasingly become an important component of social protection programmes in sub-Saharan Africa. The purpose of many poverty-targeted programmes is to improve the food security situation among beneficiary populations. Vulnerable populations in sub-Saharan African countries often face high levels of food insecurity, which disproportionately affect households living in poverty. Children are particularly vulnerable to food insecurity, as adequate diet and nutritious foods are crucial for child development.

This research brief brings together evidence of cash transfers impacts on food security from eight impact evaluations of social cash transfer programmes in sub-Saharan Africa. All evaluations include some component of food security and together capturing several dimensions of food security.