In April 2011, a Social Cash Transfer Pilot Programme (SCTPP) was launched in Tigray province, Ethiopia. It aims to support the most vulnerable, specifically targeting labour-constrained and ultra-poor households. The programme seeks to improve the quality of life of orphans and vulnerable children (OVC), elderly people and people with disabilities (PWD) by providing a regular cash transfers and linking those with the provision of social welfare services.

IFPRI and IDS have been commissioned by UNICEF Ethiopia to undertake an evaluation of the SCTPP. The evaluation will use both quantitative and qualitative methods and will be undertaken across two rounds in 2012 and 2014. The evaluation seeks to analyse the impact of the programme on the participants as well as the wider community they live in, the operational effectiveness of the programme, and the programme’s targeting efficiency.

IDS is responsible for the qualitative element of the evaluation and will work together with the University of Mekele for undertaking fieldwork and analysis.