CASH TRANSFERS TO VULNERABLE HOUSEHOLDS

PROPOSAL FOR THE IDENTIFICATION AND DISBURSEMENT OF CASH TRANSFERS TO VULNERABLE HOUSEHOLDS UNDER THE SOCIAL PROTECTION PROGRAMME OF ZURMI LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Introduction

Poverty and vulnerability remain pressing challenges in Zurmi Local Government Area (LGA), with many households experiencing food insecurity, unemployment, health crises, and limited access to basic services. In line with the objectives of the Zamfara State Social Protection Policy and the commitment of the Zurmi Local Government Council to reduce poverty and promote inclusive development, this proposal outlines a structured approach to identify and disburse cash transfers to vulnerable households in the Local Government.

This intervention is designed to provide short-term relief and promote economic resilience for the poorest members of society, especially households affected by conflict, displacement, disability, and gender-based vulnerabilities.

This proposal outlines a timely and impactful intervention aimed at improving the lives of the most vulnerable households in Zurmi LGA through direct cash support. 

Justification

Despite efforts by the Federal and State Governments to support vulnerable populations through the National Social Register and conditional cash transfer programs, many deserving households in Zurmi LGA remain unreached due to limited coverage and local-level coordination. Additionally, economic shocks and insecurity have pushed more households into extreme poverty, making it necessary to expand and localize intervention mechanisms.

There is an urgent need for Zurmi LGA to complement the Federal and State Governments' efforts by identifying vulnerable households and facilitating the timely disbursement of cash assistance as part of the Local Government’s Social Protection Programme.

Objectives

• To identify and verify poor and vulnerable households across all wards in Zurmi LGA.

• To disburse unconditional cash transfers to eligible households.

• To support household-level resilience through improved consumption and access to services.

• To promote the inclusion of newly affected households into the State Social Register.

Target Beneficiaries

• Women with pregnancy.

• Nursing Mothers.

• Households headed by widows, persons with disabilities, and the elderly.

• Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and returnees

• Orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) households

• Households with no regular source of income or employment

• Female-headed households

A target of 1,000 vulnerable households to be supported with N5,000 monthly is proposed for the initial phase of implementation.

Methodology and Implementation Plan

Disbursement Strategy

• Transfer Amount: ₦5,000 per household (monthly for the period of six months).

• Payment Channels: Bank transfers, mobile money operators, or local financial agents.

• Disbursement Partners: Collaborate with financial institutions and community-based organizations for transparency and ease of access.

• Grievance Redress: Establish local help desks and toll-free lines for complaints and inquiries

Budget Estimate

Expected Outcomes

• 1,000 vulnerable households receive direct cash support to improve their welfare.

• Improved community participation in local social protection planning.

• Reduction in negative coping mechanisms (e.g., child labor, early marriage).

Sustainability and Coordination

• Collaboration with the State Operations Coordinating Unit (SOCU) and the National Social Safety Nets Coordinating Office (NASSCO).

• Use of existing Social Register structures and local government focal persons.

• Regular updates and integration of newly identified beneficiaries into the State Register.

• Community structures (e.g., Ward Development Committees) to provide ongoing support and feedback