Scoping Study on Social Protection and Safety Nets for Enhanced Food Security and Nutrition in the Central Asia Region. Regional Synthesis Report

Bangkok (Thailand): World Food Programme (WFP), 2018.

English

58 p.

ELR3049

Members of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) have found their way to economic growth and improved livelihoods after a long period of transition to market economies. By 2015, all countries in the Europe and Central Asia region had achieved Millennium Development Goal (MDG) 1c, with the exception of Tajikistan. Social protection is recognized by the respective governments as an effective tool to improve human welfare and wellbeing. The performance of social protection programmes is mixed. Although challenges undoubtedly exist, there are also a number of notable projects and good practices that can serve as examples to follow across the region and beyond. To break the vicious cycle of hunger and poverty and to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and Agenda 2030, comprehensive safety nets are required. Perhaps the most pressing challenge is to increase coverage of the poor and transfer adequacy. Addressing the gaps in social protection will require considerable financial efforts from governments. Development partners, including World Food Programme, should continue providing technical assistance for the development of effective Monetary and Evaluation systems and building the capacity of civil servants in using the systems. The work on establishing social protection systems that meet both the requirements dictated by human rights and needs, and address the specific vulnerabilities of populations in the region, has to be underpinned by a common understanding of minimum standards. The rationale behind social protection for all is multifaceted, but first and foremost, decent living standards and the right to consume a healthy, adequate diet are basic human rights. Social protection is a key component in securing these rights.

Electronic ed.

Public

ELR 3049

Full Report
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MON-129783