Effect of Sage Program on Reducing Material Deprivation for the Elderly in Adjumani District

This study examines the effect of the Social Assistance Grant for Empowerment (SAGE) program on reducing material deprivation among the elderly in Adjumani District, Uganda. Employing a mixed-methods approach with a descriptive correlational research design, the study targeted a population of approximately 1,200 older persons. A statistically representative sample size was determined, and data were collected through surveys and interviews. The analysis revealed a moderate to strong positive correlation (r = 0.580, p < 0.001) between participation in the SAGE program and reductions in material deprivation. Linear regression analysis further demonstrated that 42.5% of the variance in material deprivation could be attributed to participation in the program, with a significant F-value (F = 163.197, p < .001) confirming the model's validity. The findings indicate that cash transfers provided through the SAGE program are associated with enhanced household consumption, particularly in areas such as food, healthcare, and housing, improving the quality of life for elderly beneficiaries. The program also effectively addresses severe food insecurity, with beneficiaries less likely to experience hunger compared to non-beneficiaries. However, while the program has a notable impact, some households remain below the poverty line, indicating the need for complementary interventions to address systemic challenges. The study concludes that the SAGE program plays a role in reducing material deprivation among elderly populations by fostering improved nutritional standards, enhanced access to basic needs, and overall well-being, as measured by a composite index of deprivation. It recommends increasing the frequency of cash transfers to ensure consistent financial support for beneficiaries, alongside implementing complementary measures to address broader poverty-related challenges in the district.