2013年-世界发展银行全球_Mexicos_Temporary_Employment_Program___Case_Study_22页_1mb

Summary of Mexico's Temporary Employment Program (PET)

Core Content

Mexico's Temporary Employment Program (PET) is a social safety net (SSN) initiative that integrates disaster risk management (DRM) and climate change adaptation (CCA) into its operations. It provides temporary cash transfers in exchange for labor in community-based public works projects, targeting marginalized households and those affected by natural disasters or other crises. The program is managed by the Government of Mexico (GoM) and is designed to both support livelihoods and build resilience to disaster and climate risks.

Main Features

• Collaborative Framework: PET involves a multi-sectoral and multi-disciplinary approach, with collaboration among various government ministries and agencies.
• Disaster Response Mechanism: A dedicated emergency component, PETi, allows for rapid response to natural disasters, with a contingency budget and streamlined procedures.
• Targeting Criteria: The program uses social marginalization indexes and specific climate-sensitive criteria to identify vulnerable communities and households.
• Payment System: The payment system acknowledges the mobility constraints of some beneficiaries.
• Community Participation: Since 2008, the program has emphasized community involvement in the decision-making process, enhancing the relevance and sustainability of public works.

Key Information

Natural Disaster and Climate Change Context

Mexico is among the world's 30 most exposed countries to multiple natural hazards, including earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, droughts, volcanoes, tsunamis, wildfires, and landslides. The country has experienced over 60 million people affected by natural disasters between 1970 and 2009, with annual economic losses exceeding US$1 billion from 1980 to 2010. Climate change is expected to intensify these risks, particularly droughts, floods, and hurricanes.

Program Overview

• Objective: To provide temporary employment and income to marginalized and vulnerable populations.
• Focus: Community infrastructure, environmental improvements, and disaster risk reduction.
• Funding: Solely funded by the GoM, with a contingency fund for emergency response.
• Beneficiaries: Households in high-marginalization or high-unemployment areas, and those impacted by natural disasters or other crises.

Program Evolution

• 1995–1997: Initially created as the Special Employment Program and Emergent Employment Program, later merged into PET.
• 2000: Became a key component of the federal government's poverty reduction strategy.
• 2002: Decentralized, with states playing a greater role in program implementation.
• 2003: PETi was established to handle emergency responses, with a mandatory contingency fund.
• 2009: Program interventions were categorized into thematic areas, integrating DRM and CCA elements.
• 2012: A new thematic area was added to directly address climate change vulnerabilities.

Policy and Institutional Framework

• Multi-sectoral Approach: PET involves collaboration between SEDESOL, SEMARNAT, SCT, and STPS.
• National Institutions:
  • SEDESOL: Central coordinating and implementing institution.
  • DGAGP: Oversees PET operations and is responsible for policy alignment and coordination.
• State Institutions: PET State Commissions (CEPET) oversee implementation at the state level, reviewing work plans and coordinating with the national level.
• Executing Agencies: Can include ministries, state and municipal governments, or registered civil society organizations.

Community Level

• Community Assemblies: Formed to ensure local participation in project selection and implementation.
• Community Facilitators: Trained by SEDESOL to assist in forming assemblies and building community capacity.
• Beneficiary Selection: Based on both geographic targeting and specific criteria related to disaster and climate impacts.

Program Components

• Standard PET: Supports regular public works projects in various thematic areas, including infrastructure, environmental conservation, and education.
• PETi (Immediate PET): Focuses on disaster response and recovery, with specific procedures and criteria for rapid implementation.

Types of Interventions

Disaster Response and Contingency Planning

• PETi Mechanism: Activated upon an emergency declaration, with a separate contingency budget and streamlined procedures.
• Beneficiary Eligibility: Based on housing damage and other disaster-related indicators.
• Contingency Funding: All implementing agencies must allocate up to 20% of their budgets to contingency funds, with SEDESOL reserving at least 20% for PETi.

Key Design Features

• Targeting: Utilizes social marginalization indexes and climate-sensitive criteria to identify the most vulnerable areas and households.
• Emergency Targeting: In disaster contexts, housing damage is used as a proxy for livelihood losses, with specific damage criteria for different types of disasters.
• Payment and Participation: The program allows for flexible participation, with a focus on local community involvement in project planning and execution.

Conclusion

The PET exemplifies an innovative approach to social protection in a middle-income country by embedding disaster risk management and climate change adaptation within its framework. It has evolved from a simple employment program into a comprehensive, multi-sectoral initiative that supports both immediate disaster response and long-term resilience building. The program's institutional structure, targeting mechanisms, and community engagement strategies contribute to its effectiveness in addressing the needs of vulnerable populations in the face of natural disasters and climate change.