Author(s) :

Rita Gyang , Musa Idris, Richard K. Dodo , Emmanuel Duniyo Laah .

Volume/Issue :

Abstract :

This study assessed the impact of Nigeria COVID-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus (NG-CARES) State Social Transfer (SST) scheme on poverty reduction among beneficiaries in Plateau State, Nigeria. Anchored on the Sustainable Livelihood Approach (SLA), the study adopted a mixed-methods design using an explanatory sequential approach. Primary data were collected through questionnaires administered to 298 beneficiaries and an interview with a programme facilitator. While secondary data were sourced from official reports and policy documents. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics and paired t-test at a 5% level of significance, and qualitative data were examined through thematic analysis. Findings revealed that beneficiaries received an average cash transfer of ₦14,000, with significant variation in disbursement amounts and duration due to funding constraints and operational challenges. Although 80% of respondents reported improvements in household welfare, the paired t-test result (t = 1.964; p = 0.081) indicated that the impact of the SST scheme on poverty reduction was not statistically significant. The study concludes that the NG-CARES SST scheme lacked the capacity to achieve sustainable poverty reduction due to its small, irregular, and temporary nature. The study recommends scaling up the programme through increased and regularized payments and improved funding mechanisms to enhance long-term poverty reduction outcomes. Keywords: Beneficiaries, NG-CARES Programme, Plateau State, Poverty Reduction, Social Transfers

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