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How cash transfers enable agency through livelihoods in South Africa

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  • Nnaeme, Chibuikem C.
  • Patel, Leila
  • Plagerson, Sophie

Abstract

Although cash transfers primarily support recipients' consumption of goods for basic needs, there is a growing body of evidence showing that they can also promote livelihood activities. Yet there has been little theoretical or empirical analysis of the contribution of human agency in facilitating the conversion of cash transfers into livelihood strategies. This paper presents findings from a qualitative study conducted in a poor urban community in South Africa. Giddens’s structuration theory provides an analytical tool to understand how cash transfers enable agency through livelihood activities. The first finding is that beneficiaries conceptualized as “developmental agents”, were highly motivated to improve their lives; and that they were decision-makers who made different types of strategic and operational decisions to improve their livelihood activities. Agency expressed through a strong sense of self, ingenuity and resilience denoted participants as active rather than passive recipients of public assistance. Receipt of cash transfers activated agency, enabling recipients to start or diversify livelihood activities. Second, the challenges and constraints are identified that limited their livelihood outcomes, such as high levels of poverty in the community and unemployment. Finally, it shows how beneficiaries attempted to circumvent structural barriers to human development. The study contributes to understanding the interaction between citizens and the state in reducing poverty and in promoting social and economic development.

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  • Nnaeme, Chibuikem C. & Patel, Leila & Plagerson, Sophie, 2020. "How cash transfers enable agency through livelihoods in South Africa," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 131(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:wdevel:v:131:y:2020:i:c:s0305750x20300826
    DOI: 10.1016/j.worlddev.2020.104956
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    1. Chibuikem Nnaeme & Leila Patel & Sophie Plagerson, 2021. "Assets, cash transfers and urban livelihoods in South Africa," Journal of International Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 33(2), pages 382-395, March.
    2. Sophie PLAGERSON & Senzelwe MTHEMBU & Thandi SIMELANE & Khuliso MATIDZA & Anita MWANDA, 2023. "The local economic development effects of income transfers in South Africa. The Social Relief of Distress grant," Working Paper 32d74b80-0ef5-416c-aa00-d, Agence française de développement.
    3. Mzukisi Xweso & Catherina Schenck & Derick Blaauw, 2021. "“Will wait for the government pension here†: Structural factors impacting on day labourers’ access to employment in East London, South Africa," Local Economy, London South Bank University, vol. 36(4), pages 308-324, June.

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