Determinants of household participation in the social cash transfer programme and its effects on children food and dietary intake in Malawi

Abstract

Undernutrition in Malawi is a complex issue with various contributing factors, among which inadequate dietary intake plays a crucial role. Improving the dietary intake and nutritional status of children is paramount for their growth, development, and overall health in Malawi. One such intervention is the Social Cash Transfer (SCT) program, which aims to improve dietary diversity and food security among children by providing financial support to vulnerable households. This study assesses the determinants of household participation in social cash transfer programmes and their impact on children's food and dietary intake in Malawi. The study focuses on exploring the state of dietary diversity among Children-Food Items and Dietary Practices; examining the factors that influence household participation in SCT programmes in Malawi; and assessing the impact of Social Cash Transfer programmes on the dietary intake of children in Malawi. A quantitative method research approach was adopted, utilizing data from the 2019-20 Malawi Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS). Descriptive statistics, Binary Logistic Regression, and Propensity Score Matching (PSM) were used for analysis. The analysis of dietary diversity among children reveals significant findings regarding food group consumption, particularly focusing on grains and eggs. Approximately 51% of children consume three to four food groups. In comparison, 21% consume five to six, indicating a generally diverse diet crucial for their nutritional health. Notably, there is a difference in grain consumption between Social Cash Transfer (SCT) beneficiaries and non beneficiaries; 22.59% of SCT beneficiaries consume grains compared to 19.58% of non-SCT beneficiaries. This suggests that the SCT may enhance access to grains, which is statistically significant (p-value of 0.09). Egg consumption shows a similar trend, with 33.26% of SCT beneficiaries consuming eggs compared to 29.14% of non-SCT beneficiaries, indicating a potential positive impact of SCT programs on protein-rich food intake (p-value of 0.056). The analysis of the Child Dietary Diversity Score (DDS) indicates a slight difference between children in households receiving Social Cash Transfer (SCT) benefits (DDS of 3.469) and those not receiving benefits (DDS of 3.423), with a non-significant difference of 0.046 (p-value of 0.1). Specific food group consumption showed varied trends: grains and legume intake slightly decreased among treated households, while dairy food intake increased modestly, suggesting a potential positive influence of SCT programs. The results on dietary intake showed non-significant differences between beneficiary and non-beneficiary households (p < 0.001). Participation in SCT programs was significantly influenced by several factors, including lower participation rates among female headed households, a positive association with older household heads, and increased likelihood of participation in larger households. To enhance the effectiveness and inclusivity of SCT programs in Malawi, it is recommended that tailored interventions be developed to address gender-specific needs, thereby fostering greater participation among female-headed households; establishing a continuous monitoring and evaluation system to adapt programs to the dynamic socio-economic context; investing in maternal education initiatives to strengthen educational opportunities for mothers, which positively impacts child health outcomes.