On September 16, 2021,IRC Ghana in collaboration with Asutifi North District, convened a virtual DLLAP to discuss the findings of a targeted subsidy project and share lessons learnt with stakeholders and partners of the ANAM Initiative. Over 12participants from Safe Water Network, IRC Ghana, World Vision Ghana, Aquaya Institute, Asutifi North District Assembly, and selected CSO operating in Asutifi North District attended the meeting.
- The objectives of the study were :
- Identify the best method to identify poor and vulnerable households for water subsidies
- How targeted subsidies could be implemented to ensure they effectively reach the poorest households.
Chloé Poulin, John Trimmer, and Bashiru Yachori, from Aquaya Institute, made a presentation of the study findings. Per their presentation, five targeting methods were assessed during the study and included an AI-based Proxy Means Test (PMT), Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) Wealth Index, Poverty Probability Index (PPI), Community Consultation, and Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) enrollment. The targeting methods were assessed based on their targeting performance, acceptability, cost, and ease of implementation.
In concluding their presentation, the Aquaya Institute team recommended firstly introducing consumption subsidies (to subsidize daily household water consumption at community water points or private household connections) before considering connection subsidies (to subsidize the installation of piped household connections)in the mid- to long-term. They added that after the program has been operating for at least a few years, it may also be appropriate to reassess household eligibility for subsidies, to identify new households that may need assistance or households already receiving the subsidy that no longer need.