Assessing the Sustainability of Social Protection Interventions in Reducing Rural Poverty

Abstract

The Ghana Productive Safety Net Project (GPSNP) is one of Ghana’s major social protection initiatives aimed at reducing rural poverty through cash transfers, labour-intensive public works (LIPW), and productive inclusion support. This study assessed the sustainability of GPSNP interventions in the Upper West Region using secondary data from project reports, monitoring and evaluation documents, poverty profiles, and relevant academic literature. Findings revealed that while GPSNP interventions contribute significantly to short-term poverty reduction—especially through improved household consumption, seasonal income stability, and enhanced livelihood opportunities—the sustainability of these benefits remains mixed. Long-term sustainability is constrained by funding inconsistencies, weak institutional capacity, limited market access, and climate-related risks.

Comparisons between GPSNP Phase 1 and Phase 2 show improvements in training, youth support, and institutional strengthening, yet challenges persist. The study concludes that for GPSNP interventions to remain sustainable, there must be stronger institutional systems, increased domestic financing, improved community ownership of assets, and climate-resilient livelihood support. Key recommendations include integrating robust exit strategies, strengthening district-level capacity, enhancing market linkages, and adopting climate-smart approaches.