The Dedza Safety Nets Pilot Project (DSNPP) Objectives and methodology Carlos Barahona Statistical Services Centre The University of Reading

DSNPP Pilot of direct welfare transfers (DWT) to the work-constrained rural poor Run by Concern Universal in Dedza M&E support from Calibre Consultants and the SSC at the University of Reading Lessons will inform the design of a scaled-up DWT programme

Objectives of the pilot The pilot aims to test and monitor: Community management structures and transfer mechanisms Whether the benefits reach the beneficiaries The impact of the transfers on the well-being of beneficiaries Logistics and cost Consumer demand and the retail sector

The process of the Dedza Safety Nets Pilot Project

M&E tools Impact on beneficiaries Baseline and final impact surveys Quarterly monitoring surveys Process as managed by village committees Minutes of committee meetings Records of receipt of transfers by beneficiaries Expenditure pattern Receipts from vouchers Surveys Logistics and costs CU officers records CU accounts

The transfers Three types, all of equal value = MK 550/month Cash Vouchers In-kind A pack of goods in September 2001 that comprised: 2 blankets, 6 plates, 1 metal cooking pot, 1 pail, 10 tablets of washing soap and 10 tablets of bathing soap. Oct - Dec 2001: 20 kg of maize flour Jan - May 2002: 15 kg of maize flour

The voucher

The village committees Three types: Democratically elected Village head Beneficiary/carer

Monitoring intensity Two intensities: Closely monitored Hands-off

The resulting interventions Hands-off Beneficiaries Closely monitored Hands-off Democratic Vouchers Closely monitored Hands-off Village Head Closely monitored Hands-off Beneficiaries Closely monitored Hands-off Democratic Cash Closely monitored Hands-off Village Head Closely monitored Hands-off Beneficiaries Closely monitored Hands-off Democratic In-kind Closely monitored Hands-off Village Head Closely monitored 18 different interventions 3 villages with each type 54 villages

Sampling and design 386 villages in Linthipe and Kabwazi 54 villages selected at random for the study This design allows us to assess: Differences between different types of transfer, types of committee, levels of monitoring Any interactions between factors