The effectiveness of Tanzania Social Action Fund intervention in food security of vulnerable communities

Development intervention is increasingly reported as a means of improving the livelihoods of the vulnerable rural people. However, little information based on appropriate methodological approaches is available on diverse outcomes. This study was conducted to assess the livelihood impact of Tanzania Social Action Fund intervention in Agriculture for vulnerable communities in Makete and Rungwe districts. This research examined the effectiveness of intervention in food security of recipients in both districts. A quasi-experimental design was used to collect a sample of 192 and 108 recipient and non-recipient households including triangulation approaches, respectively. Heckman selection model two-stage estimation approach was employed to analyze cross-sectional data. Results show that there were no difference in food security between recipients and non recipients. Based on these findings, it is concluded that participation had no positive effect on food security. Therefore, it is recommended that intervention should be on prevention basis rather than coping strategies.