Overview: Realizing the Full Potential of Social Safety Nets in Africa

Beegle, Kathleen; Coudouel, Aline; Monsalve, Emma

doi:10.1596/978-1-4648-1164-7_ov

Cited by 19 publications

(23 citation statements)

References 29 publications

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“…Since 1 Social safety nets (or social assistance) fall within broader typologies of social protection (including for example, input and fuel subsidies, micro-finance, contributory social insurance, among others) are likely to be diverse with substantial heterogeneity in gendered designs and implications. The definition and focus on SSNs and noncontributory programming adopted in this chapter aligns with recent prominent reports from Africa (Beegle et al 2018). the late 1990s, with the emergence of social welfare policies in Latin America, women were targeted as transfer recipients for their instrumental value in helping the program to achieve their intended outcomes, particularly those related to household food security and child human capital (health and nutrition). These design considerations built on a large body of literature on intra-household dynamics showing that men and women often spend income differently, and women often do so in 'family friendly' ways.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 90%

“…Popularity among governments and other stakeholders has been bolstered by regional evidence showing that SSNs are effective in combating poverty and food insecurity, increasing resilience and agricultural productivity, and improving the education and wellbeing of future generations (Garcia and Moore 2012;Bastagli et al 2016;Handa et al 2018;Hidrobo et al 2018). By 2017, every country on the continent had at least one SSN, while the average country had 15, ranging from two (Republic of Congo and Gabon) to 56 (Burkina Faso) (Beegle, Coudouel, and Monsalve 2018). Further, African governments have committed to institutionalizing SSNs, with 32 countries establishing national social protection strategies or policies by 2017.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…While the design and system integration of SSNs continue to evolve, at their core, SSNs operated in Africa typically consist of non-contributory economic support to households and individuals given at regular, sustained intervals-including common forms of cash, vouchers or in-kind transfers, fee waivers, cash-for-work (CfW) or public works programs (PWPs), and school feeding. 1 According to the World Bank, on average, countries on the continent spend 1.6 percent of their gross domestic product (GDP) on SSNs (representing 4.6 percent of total government spending), and SSNs cover 10 percent of the African population, with cash transfers accounting for nearly 41 percent (and growing) of the share of SSN spending (Beegle, et al 2018). Thus, by coverage alone, and political commitment to continue expanding them, SSNs, and non-contributory SSNs in particular, represent an important policy tool for reaching poor populations across countries and at scale.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Although poverty rates have been declining in Africa, the total number of poor is increasing. According to the World Bank, the total number of poor increased from 280 million (1990) to 390 million (2013), with the majority of poor residing in rural areas and engaged in subsistence farming or low-paying income generating activities (Beegle, Coudouel, and Monsalve 2018). In addition, poor populations in Africa are more likely to live in areas which are drought or conflict prone, with deteriorating services and governance structures.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Towards gender equality: A review of evidence on social safety nets in Africa

Peterman¹,

Kumar²,

Pereira³

et al. 2019

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The International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), established in 1975, provides research-based policy solutions to sustainably reduce poverty and end hunger and malnutrition. IFPRI's strategic research aims to foster a climate-resilient and sustainable food supply; promote healthy diets and nutrition for all; build inclusive and efficient markets, trade systems, and food industries; transform agricultural and rural economies; and strengthen institutions and governance. Gender is integrated in all the Institute's work. Partnerships, communications, capacity strengthening, and data and knowledge management are essential components to translate IFPRI's research from action to impact. The Institute's regional and country programs play a critical role in responding to demand for food policy research and in delivering holistic support for country-led development. IFPRI collaborates with partners around the world. , eds. This version is also slightly updated to include additional studies. AbstractOver the last decade, social safety nets (SSNs) have rapidly expanded in Africa, becoming a core strategy for addressing poverty, responding to shocks, increasing productivity and investing in human capital. Poverty, vulnerability and well-being have inherent gender dimensions, yet only recently has gender equality been considered as a potential program objective. This study reviews the evidence on the impact of SSNs on women's wellbeing in Africa, while contributing to an understanding of how SSNs affect gender equality. We first motivate and take stock of how gender shapes the design and effectiveness of SSNs in Africa. We then summarize evidence from rigorous impact evaluations of SSNs on women's wellbeing across five key domains from 38 studies on 28 SSN programs across 17 countries. We find substantial evidence that, in many instances, SSNs decrease intimate partner violence and increase psychological wellbeing for women, as well as moderate evidence that SSNs increase dietary diversity and economic standing. We find minimal evidence that SSNs improve women's food security and nutrition; however, few studies measure these outcomes for women. Finally, a substantial body of evidence reports on the impact of SSNs on women's empowerment and intra-household bargaining power, however, with weak and mixed results. Our findings are generally promising, since most SSNs are not designed specifically to increase women's wellbeing. However, the results show that household-level impacts do not automatically imply individual women benefit, and further that conclusions from global evidence reviews do not necessarily apply in Africa. There is little research that rigorously identifies the design features and impact pathways from SSNs to gender equality and women's wellbeing, suggesting a priority for future research.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 90%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 2 more Smart Citations

Towards gender equality: A review of evidence on social safety nets in Africa

Peterman¹,

Kumar²,

Pereira³

et al. 2019

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…Turning to the SEACMEQ III Project, which was finalized in 2011, at least seven ESAR countries performed well below the standard score in both Nonetheless, children are more likely to benefit from social assistance than the population at large. Most social assistance programmes in the region are directly or indirectly targeted Source: Beegle, K. et al (2018 to children because they often support households with children. 12 Again looking at the latest analysis from the World Bank, coverage of children aged 0-14 in ESAR is estimated at 25 per cent, on average, which is more than ten percentage points higher than the rate for the overall population (Figure 2.22).…”

Section: Educationmentioning

confidence: 99%