Contribution of Social Capital to Household Graduation from the Hunger Safety Net Programme in Marsabit County, Kenya

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the extent to which social capital contributes to household graduation from the Hunger Safety Net Programme in Marsabit County, Kenya. The study employed a mixed-method survey design. Data collection was done from October 2023 to December 2023 using a questionnaire, key informant interview guide, and focus group discussion schedule. A total of 334 primary respondents were selected using stratified and simple random sampling techniques. The findings reveal that 23.4 per cent of the respondents were members of a community-based social group or network. Those who belonged to a social group were few, but the benefits they received were of great value. Furthermore, the majority of respondents (88.9%) indicated that community members were not fully involved in selecting households for graduation. However, 40.5 per cent of respondents expressed trust in the few community members who participated in their graduation. Using an ordered logistic regression model, community associations/networks (b=-0.841, p=.002); community participation (b=-2.902, p=.003); community trust (b=1.77, p=.010); and community leadership (b=-1.18, p=.015) were found to have a statistically (p<0.05) significant effect on household graduation. The study recommends the national and county governments develop and support community- based livelihood initiatives such as savings and loan groups, skills training programs, and pastoralist cooperatives. Beneficiaries of the Hunger Safety Net Programme should leverage social capital and traditional coping mechanisms to support their livelihoods rather than relying on external support. They should also participate in community activities to enhance their networking skills to realise socio-economic development.