Impact assessment of Tanzania Social Action Fund investments in Makete and Rungwe districts, Tanzania

PhD-Thesis

Tanzania Social Action Fund (TASAF) was introduced in Tanzania to address the poverty situation. However, little information based on appropriate methodological approaches is available. Therefore the present study was conducted to assess the impact of community empowerment by TASAF on effective and efficient utilisation of the assets created under the TASAF poverty reduction program. Specifically, the objectives ofthe study were to: (i) evaluate the impact ofTASAF intervention on socio-economic status of participants, (ii) assess the impact ofTASAF intervention on food security and health status of beneficiaries, and (iii) examine the sustainability of productive assets created by TASAF for food insecure, service poor and vulnerable groups. This study was carried out in Makete and Rungwe districts in 2010. Data were collected from 300 household, 54 key informants and focus group discussions using quasi-experimental approach. The present study was conceptualized in the sustainable livelihood approach used to analyze cross-sectional data. The quantitative estimation employed Heckman’s two-stage and IV/2SLS models to estimate the intervention effects. Results show that TASAF intervention have positive impact on socio-economic status of participants. Also, it has been found that carpentry, public works, environmental conservation and water projects have positive influence on food security. However, it has been observed health status, meaning that TASAF participants improved their health compared to non participants. Thus, it is concluded that intervention improves health status of beneficiaries. Also, it has been observed that, carpentry works was significantly sustainable, meaning that assets created in TASAF projects continue to deliver benefits after the termination of the program. Therefore, it is recommended that the government should invest in health and reproductive health services provision. Also, the government should enhance projects that have positive influence on food security and health status of participants. Lastly, the government should enforce policies on sustaining assets created such as poultry, dairy cattle, carpentry, public works, environmental conservation and water projects.