How the old age pension grant contributes to the livelihoods of the poor: a case study of Qacha’s Nek.

Abstract

This research studied the effectiveness of the old age pension grant, which has been initiated in developing countries to alleviate poverty and to improve the livelihoods of the elderly. The study’s focus is Qacha’s Nek, Lesotho. The study considered if and how the old age pension enhances the quality of life of senior citizens and what strategies they employ to survive on a daily basis and to counter poverty. The study was qualitative in nature and based on fifteen in-depth interviews with recipients of the old age pension grant. The main study findings were that although most of the study participants relied on the grant it was inadequate in that it does not cover all their basic needs nor does it impact on the challenges they face.