ABSTRACT
This conclusion presents some closing thoughts on the concepts discussed in the preceding chapters of this book. The book provides empirical information that is normally missing from studies of pilot programmes: the political economy and public policy implications in Africa. It examines the cash transfer programmes for orphans and vulnerable children, older persons, those with severe disabilities and the chronically poor without any means of livelihood or income support. The basis for social protection can be found in national Constitutions and International Conventions, but cash assistance programmes are not driven primarily by compassion or responsibility. Africa is more preoccupied with fiscal capacity and political commitment than legislation. Lack of political commitment has become a catch-all phrase to explain unsuccessful development interventions in Africa. Public policy making involves government's initiatives to devote public resources for collective good, or regulating private and club goods that affect other citizens negatively.
