Evaluating the Asset Transfer Model in Facilitating Sustainable Livelihoods

Abstract

This study examines whether a dairy development intervention designed as an asset transfer and training project catalyzes social capital, and sustainably improves the livelihoods of the participants. Social network analysis is used to quantify the social capital in the intervention and comparison group. The intervention group demonstrates statistically different levels of social capital confirming that the intervention resulted in an increase in social capital. We also examine whether the infusion of three sources of capital, physical (asset transfer), human (training) and social capital, generated sufficient increases in net income to bring participants above the benchmark of a living income. The levels of net income three years after the project were sixty-five percent higher than at the close of the project, providing strong evidence of improved livelihoods and sustainability.