Assessment of the Moderating Effect of Cash Transfer Program on Off-Farm Activities and Food Security in Siaya County, Kenya

Social protection through cash transfer schemes came forward as an approach to bolster food security for elderly adults by supporting their economic activities. Several critics remain undecided about how effectively these interventions handle food insecurity conditions. The Older Persons Cash Transfer program (OPCT) in Kenya supports people aged 70 years and above who fulfil conditions of being financially poor, non-pensioners and non-receivers of other government cash transfers (World Bank, 2019). The research investigated how payment agents distribute KES 2,000 each month to recipients over two monthly payments as part of the Siaya County OPCT. OPCT membership influences food security by providing different revenue streams that enhance household food security. The study targeted 300 older adults and sampled 75 OPCT recipients from five wards in Siaya County. Structured questionnaires and key informant interviews were applied in data collection, and analysis was conducted using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Content analysis was used to analyze qualitative information. A linear regression model was applied to test relationships between study parameters. The research revealed that cash transfer schemes make a significant contribution to food security by enabling elderly recipients to access off-farm livelihood opportunities, thereby reducing their dependence on agriculture. While cash transfer provides financial support, it minimally contributes to ensuring food security in the long term unless accompanied by broader livelihood support schemes.