How formative research can improve the effects of household economic strengthening programs for children

Abstract

ABSTRACTHousehold economic strengthening (HES) programs should increase the welfare of households and children so as to decrease cyclical poverty. Yet research shows that HES programs with positive household outcomes often fail to produce corresponding improvements in children’s lives. In-depth interviews (IDIs) with 96 households who were part of a HES program in Liberia provide a window into intra-household decision-making affecting children’s health and education. Two general themes were examined: (1) decision-making about household assets including cash, agriculture, and food, and (2) decision-making around children’s nutrition, health, and education. Findings indicate that children are a priority and household spending is concentrated in areas that are directly linked to child well-being; however, specific knowledge gaps were identified that may have hindered improvements, such as appropriate nutrition for child development and basic financial planning to increase savings. Results also show that decision-making is balanced between men and women; this identifies the need to address knowledge gaps among both men and women to produce greater impacts. Recommendations illustrate how greater understanding of intra-household decision-making can be used during program design to develop complementary programming and messages to maximize the benefit of HES programs on children’s well-being.