2017年-世界发展银行全球_Closing_the_Gap___The_State_of_Social_Safety_Nets_2017_8页_1008kb

Closing the Gap: The State of Social Safety Nets 2017

Core Content

The document outlines the growing global emphasis on social protection (SP), particularly in the context of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It highlights the expansion and diversification of social safety net (SSN) programs in developing countries, emphasizing their role in poverty reduction and improving resilience to economic and environmental shocks.

Key Findings

• Global Focus on Social Protection:
  Social protection is now part of the SDGs, with Goal 1 aiming to end extreme poverty and ensure social protection for the poor and vulnerable by 2030. Target 1.3 emphasizes the need for nationally appropriate social protection systems, while Target 1.5 focuses on building resilience against climate-related shocks and disasters.

• Expansion of SSN Programs:
  The number of developing countries with SSN programs has doubled over the last two decades, from 72 to 149. Most countries have implemented a variety of SSN instruments, including:

  • Unconditional Cash Transfers (UCTs): 77% of countries
  • Conditional Cash Transfers (CCTs): 42% of countries
  • School Feeding Programs: 78% of countries
  • Public Works: 58% of countries
  • Fee Waivers: 56% of countries

• Increased Spending on SSNs:
  Globally, developing and transition economies spend an average of 1.6% of GDP on SSN programs. Regional variations exist, with ECA (Europe and Central Asia), SSA (Sub-Saharan Africa), and LAC (Latin America and the Caribbean) leading in spending at 2.2%, 1.6%, and 1.5% of GDP respectively. In contrast, MNA (Middle East and North Africa) and SA (South Asia) spend 1.0% and 0.8% of GDP, respectively.

• Program Coverage and Impact:
  SSN programs have significantly expanded in coverage, lifting 69 million people from absolute poverty and 97 million from relative poverty annually. However, coverage remains low in low-income countries (LICs), where only 20% of the poor are covered, and even lower in LMICs (Lower-Middle Income Countries), where less than 40% of the poor have access. In contrast, UMICs (Upper-Middle Income Countries) and HICs (High-Income Countries) show better coverage.

• Adequacy of Benefits:
  The adequacy of SSN benefits is also a concern, especially in LICs, where benefits account for only 12% of the poor's income, compared to 20–24% in HICs. Countries with higher coverage and adequacy have seen greater poverty reduction, with some achieving up to 50% reduction in the poverty headcount.

• World Bank Group's Role:
  The World Bank Group (WBG) has been actively supporting SSN programs through various initiatives:

  • Growing Financing: Total net commitment for the SPJ (Social Protection and Jobs) portfolio reached $12.5 billion by April 2017, double the amount from FY 10–12.
  • Shift in Lending: SPJ lending to IDA (International Development Association) countries increased significantly, with $6 billion allocated to IDA countries, making up almost 50% of the total SPJ portfolio.
  • RSR Grants: Small Rapid Social Response (RSR) grants have leveraged over $5.6 billion in IDA commitments, reaching more than 72.4 million recipients in 2015.
  • Universal Social Protection (USP): The WBG, in partnership with the ILO and other agencies, promotes USP to ensure social protection for all in need, especially in the poorest countries.

• Adaptive Social Protection (ASP):
  A special Multi-Donor Trust Fund (MDTF) has been established to support ASP in the Sahel region, including countries like Burkina Faso, Chad, Mauritania, Mali, Niger, and Senegal. The program includes technical assistance and capacity building.

• Emerging Challenges:
  The WBG is responding to crises like famine, particularly in countries such as Yemen, Somalia, South Sudan, and Northern Nigeria. In Yemen, the Bank is supporting emergency labor-intensive works programs, nutrition-based cash transfers, and health and nutrition initiatives.

Conclusion

While there has been substantial progress in the expansion and diversification of SSN programs, significant gaps in coverage and adequacy persist, especially in low-income countries. The WBG is playing a crucial role in addressing these gaps through increased financing, innovative solutions, and the promotion of universal social protection. Continued investment and adaptation are essential to achieving the SDG goals of poverty eradication and shared prosperity.