Social Protection and Vulnerable Communities in East Africa: Implications for Household Welfare

Social protection mechanisms can reduce poverty and vulnerability, increase work and educational achievement, and promote economic growth. Formal social protection initiatives cover only a small proportion of the population in East Africa - those working in the formal sector. Vulnerable groups - such as the poor and those in conflict situations - rely on informal social protection systems for survival. But little is known about informal systems, how formal systems complement informal systems, and the effect of both on the welfare of women and children. This grant will investigate the effects of social protection on the welfare of women and children, measured in terms of asset accumulation (women), and nutrition status and educational attainment (children). Lessons drawn from the research will be used in the design of future social protection strategies.