Extending and Maximizing Benefits of Conditional Cash Transfers (CCTs) to Internally Displaced Persons in Benue State, Nigeria

Abstract

Conflicts and protracted crises have resulted in a sharp rise in the number of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Nigeria. Displaced persons not only face physical threats in such circumstances of forced migration, but are also confronted with the challenge of economic survival. In this context, Conditional Cash Transfers (CCTs) becomes an increasingly important tool in humanitarian response and poverty reduction. In recent years, Nigeria has deemed it necessary to embrace cash transfers as social protection instruments to tackle poverty and vulnerability. This study examined the implementation of the CCT programme in Benue State, Nigeria. The vulnerability theory was used as the theoretical underpinning of the study. The study adopted both quantitative and qualitative methodological approaches to carry out indepth investigation. Survey and documentary sources were used for data collection, while descriptive statistics and content analysis were used for data analysis. The data analyzed revealed that the CCT Programme as presently implemented in Benue State covered the poor and vulnerable, but did not extend to the large IDP population. It also established that IDPs in Benue State were supportive of in-kind assistance, but indicated the need for a combination of in-kind and cash assistance. The study recommended that in extending the CCT programme to IDPs in Benue State, strategies such as establishment of a robust programming framework; strong Measurement and Evaluation (M&E) mechanisms; and training to help beneficiaries utilize from provided assistance, among others, should be adopted to maximize benefits and mitigate possible risks associated with the programme.