Factors influencing the implementation of poverty eradication programs in selected communities of ngamiland west, Botswana

Abstract

Poverty eradication program targeted poor and vulnerable members of any society to attain a self-sufficient, dignified livelihood. The focus of the study was to analyse factors influencing implementation of the poverty eradication program (PEP) in selected communities in Ngamiland West, Botswana. The hypothesis of the study was that there was no significant relationship between poverty eradication program and the rural livelihood. A mixed method approach was used to collect and analyze data. A multi-stage sampling procedure was used to select the study population. Simple random sampling was used to select six study sites in Ngamiland West and purposive sampling was used to select 60 respondents who were interviewed (using interview schedules during a households survey. Qualitative data were partly obtained through the households survey and from key informants (7 community leaders and 6 beneficiaries who successfully implemented projects) and through 1 focus group discussion (FGD) session. Datumwere summarized through the use of descriptive statistics (frequency, percentages, charts, etc.) and inferentially analyzed using correlation, multiple regression and chi-square statistical tools. The results show a weak positive but significant relationship between the income from project (r = 0.358; p≤0.05) and PEP impact. The study concluded that age, income earned, infrastructure and government policy either had a relationship or an association with the implementation of PEP in the study area.