Social Cash Transfers and Children's Rights in Zambia

Abstract

Social cash transfers are gaining momentum within developing countries, including Zambia. Cash transfers are income support payments given to vulnerable households to reduce extreme poverty and promote children's education, health and nutrition. Since 2004, Zambia has been implementing cash transfers. A number of studies have concluded that cash transfers have helped reduce poverty among poor households in the country. This study assesses the extent to which cash transfers in Zambia have impacted on poverty reduction and children's rights. The study concludes that, while there is evidence that cash transfers have helped to reduce poverty and improve children's access to social services, their effective implementation remains constrained by administrative, coordination, and capacity challenges, as well as lack of a defined long-term financial commitment.