Conditional Cash Transfers and Early School Dropout Among Girls in Tanzania: A Survey Analysis

Conditional cash transfer (CCT) programmes are increasingly implemented to improve education outcomes in developing countries. Tanzania has introduced several CCT schemes aimed at reducing early school dropout among girls, particularly in rural areas. The research employs a mixed-methods approach combining quantitative survey data from a nationally representative sample with qualitative interviews targeting CCT recipients and educators. The study utilizes logistic regression to analyse the relationship between CCT participation and early school dropout rates. Results indicate that girls who received Conditional Cash Transfers were significantly less likely (p < .05) to drop out of primary education compared to their counterparts who did not receive transfers, highlighting a positive correlation with educational continuation. The findings suggest that Conditional Cash Transfers can be an effective tool in reducing early school dropout among girls, particularly when coupled with targeted support and community engagement strategies. The study contributes by providing empirical evidence on the impact of CCTs on education outcomes for marginalized populations. Given the positive correlation observed, policymakers should consider expanding Conditional Cash Transfer programmes to include additional incentives or services that could further enhance educational participation among girls in Tanzania.