Assets, cash transfers and urban livelihoods in South Africa

Chibuikem Nnaeme, Leila Patel, Sophie Plagerson

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

4 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

How access to cash transfers (CTs) contributes to assets and livelihoods is not well understood in development contexts. This qualitative study draws on the sustainable livelihoods approach and describes how beneficiaries acquire, mobilise and convert a diversity of assets into livelihood strategies amidst high levels of unemployment and poverty. We find that receipt of CTs had a catalytic effect enabling the pursuit of livelihoods, facilitating capital accrual and asset conversion. Among the study implications is the need to complement CTs with policies that encourage social and productive goals and recognise the informal economy in employment growth.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)382-395
Number of pages14
JournalJournal of International Development
Volume33
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Mar 2021

Keywords

  • South Africa
  • assets
  • cash transfers
  • livelihoods
  • social protection
  • sustainable livelihoods approach
  • urban contexts
  • vulnerability

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Geography, Planning and Development
  • Development

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