THE EFFECTIVENESS OF CASH TRANSFER PROGRAMS UNDER THE TANZANIA SOCIAL ACTION FUND ON POVERTY ERADICATION IN MSIMBU AND MSANGA WARDS, KISARAWE DISTRICT, TANZANIA

Cash transfer programs are a cornerstone of social protection strategies in developing nations, aimed atproviding immediate financial relief and fostering long-term poverty reduction. This study examines theeffectiveness of cash transfer programs under the Tanzania Social Action Fund (TASAF) in Msimbu andMsanga wards of Kisarawe District. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, quantitative data were collected from222 beneficiaries via structured questionnaires, supplemented by qualitative insights from key informantinterviews. The findings present a nuanced picture: while a significant majority of respondents agreed that cashtransfers enabled investment in children’s education (80% agreement, mean = 2.13) and participation in trainingprograms (76% agreement, mean = 2.15), there was strong disagreement that the transfers significantly reducedcommunity poverty (63% disagreement, mean = 3.87) or increased household income (78% disagreement, mean= 3.78). Qualitative data revealed that beneficiaries appreciate the immediate relief for specific needs butperceive the transfer amounts as insufficient to create meaningful economic stability or lift households out ofpoverty. The study concludes that TASAF’s cash transfers function effectively as a short-term safety net forhuman capital investment but fall short of driving sustainable poverty eradication due to inadequate benefitlevels and operational inefficiencies. Recommendations include a systematic review of transfer values alignedwith the cost of living and improved distribution mechanisms to enhance the program’s transformative potential.