Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) is an emerging initiative in Nigeria as the debate about its effectiveness remains unclear. This study aims to compare beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries of (CCT) in Nigeria; in terms of their patterns of food consumption, the impact of demographic factors (age, gender, marital status, level of education, income, and association membership) on CCT participation and the impact of CCT on household food consumption patterns. The study objectives were accomplished using primary data collected through the use of a structured questionnaire. 180 respondents (85 beneficiaries and 95 non-beneficiaries), were sampled for the research; using Cronbach's alpha coefficient and a cutoff of 0.7, the reliability of the questionnaire was evaluated. Descriptive statistics, Student’s t-test and the "Propensity Score Matching" (PSM) approach was utilized to determine how CCT affects the beneficiary's consumption patterns, while the factors influencing participation in CCT was examine using Logit regression. The results revealed that the program significantly improved households’ calorie, dietary diversity score and food consumption expenditure. Also, educational level, income and membership of social group significantly explained beneficiary’s participation in the program. CCT is still relatively new in Nigeria and piloted in just few States, this limits the available sample size for the study. This study provides a clear understanding of the effects of CCT on the beneficiaries and the influencing factors, which can serve as guides for policy formulators in scaling up the programme among the poor in Nigeria.

Key words

Cash, Calorie, Dietary Diversity, Expenditure, Nigeria