Video: What role can social protection systems play in responding to humanitarian emergencies?

The frequency and severity of shocks are increasing. Our shock-responsive social protection systems study aims to strengthen the evidence base as to when and how social protection systems can better respond to shocks in low-income countries and fragile and conflict-affected states. More effective response will mean that the negative impacts of these large-scale emergencies (such as droughts, floods, or economic crises) are reduced, and there is therefore a reduced need for separate humanitarian interventions.

The key research question is: ‘What are the constraints to social protection systems being more responsive to shocks and, conversely, what factors would enable social protection systems to become more responsive to shocks?’

Our video looks at the role social protection systems can play, how existing systems can be adapted to be shock-responsive, and the ways in which they can be strengthened to become quicker, sustainable, predictable, and more cost effective, as well as avoiding duplication and ensuring that they cover all those in need. It also highlights other factors that governments and partners will have to consider, including capacity, financing, and context-specific political issues.

The research is funded by UK Aid from the UK Government, and was undertaken by Oxford Policy Management (OPM) in consortium with the Overseas Development Institute (ODI), the Cash Learning Partnership (CaLP) and INASP.

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