Cash transfers, beneficiaries’ livelihoods, and co-responsibilities in the context of water and sanitation insecurity in Ghana

ABSTRACT The Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) program is a social protection initiative implemented in 2008 to provide cash transfers to extremely poor households to alleviate poverty and promote human development in Ghana. However, as an unconditional cash transfer program, beneficiaries are expected to perform co-responsibilities related to education, health, nutrition, and savings. In regions with water and sanitation challenges, poor access to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) may be impacting LEAP beneficiaries’ livelihoods and the co-responsibilities mandated by the program. Therefore, using a descriptive case study, we explored the implications of WASH on beneficiaries’ livelihoods and their health and education co-responsibilities. Women (n = 25) and girls (n = 19) were interviewed in two communities (Wechiau and Kandeu) in the Wa West district, Ghana. Key themes that emerged included agricultural and trading livelihood impacts and the impact of WASH on educational and health co-responsibilities. Findings revealed that inadequate WASH facilities pose a threat to beneficiaries’ health, absenteeism from school, and frequently result in school dropouts which undermine the intended goals of LEAP. The study recommends urgent investment in infrastructure to provide safe water, improved sanitation, and hygiene for beneficiaries to promote sustainable development and better education and health outcomes among beneficiaries.