Social Assistance improves income security and access to basic services
The governments of Mexico, Brazil and Nicaragua have implemented social welfare schemes that improve income security and access to basic services among poor families.1 India has extended its social safety net to include citizens in need from the “womb to the tomb”2 and Bangladesh has expanded its old age pension system and financed income generating activities and cash transfers targeted to poor women. In Bangladesh, food insecurity in participating households was reduced from 97% to 27% and severe malnourishment in under-fives decreased by 27%.1
In Kenya, the Ministry of Home Affairs and the National AIDS Control Council developed a cash transfer scheme providing households with orphans US$0.50 per day. Analysis of a pilot programme in three districts revealed that households spent this money on food, clothing, medical expenses, and other minor household purchases. School attendance increased and children obtained ARV treatment.1
In Zambia, the Department of Social Welfare, with support from the German Technical Cooperation, implemented the Kalomo District pilot scheme.3 The program targets the poorest 10% of households that have high dependency ratios and no able-bodied worker. The program reaches 1,027 households with a monthly payment of US$8. Scaled up for the nation, it is estimated to cost 0.5 per cent of GDP.
In South Africa, civil society mobilized around the issue of cash transfers. NGOs were taking the government to court given that the constitution endows people with the right to social assistance. Political pressure percolated through civil society. While only 10% of the public was in favor of social welfare assistance in 2000, more than 50% of the population was behind it in 2004. Since implementation, the uptake in Child Support Grant has increased and errors have been reduced. Moreover, the poverty gap has declined. Still the take-up-rate for orphans is lower than non-orphans due to bureaucratic difficulties, which disproportionately affect these children.
The Government of Malawi plans to support orphaned and vulnerable children through the “National Safety Net Programme”, which has been outlined in the National Plan of Action on Orphans and Vulnerable Children. The estimated cost of reaching 100,000 families from 2007 to 2009 is US$31.3 million, ($104 per family per year, $8.70 per family per month, or $0.29 per family per day).4
In Tanzania, there is a social welfare orientation and public sector leadership for it. The country offers free healthcare and education. However, poverty levels are still on the rise. The nation decided to reexamine the systems and approach from the 1980s to1990s and ask the questions:
1) How do we provide access and ensure sustainability?
2) What are appropriate government reforms? and
3) What are appropriate social welfare policies?
One intervention is the Tanzania Social Fund, which identifies and delivers benefits to vulnerable communities. This programme has emphasized community participation, transparency, and non-partisanship. Lessons from Tanzania’s experience are that solutions must include partnerships, systems must be strengthened, stakeholders must be involved at all levels, and a consultative process is essential.
New research from Latin America, Central Asia, and South Africa shows that social welfare assistance provided by governments and delivered through Ministries of Social Welfare can be affordable.1,3 Providing a universal old-age pension for everyone over 65 in Tanzania would cost 3.7% of Government expenditure and 0.8% GDP.2 In Mexico, a wide-reaching social welfare assistance scheme costs an estimated 0.32 % of GDP.5
References
1. DFID: Social transfers and chronic poverty: emerging evidence and the challenge ahead. London: Department for International Development, 2005.
2. Purcell J. Strengthening national responses to children affected by HIV/AIDS: What is the role of the state and social welfare in Africa? Wilton Park; Sussex. 2005.
3. Help Age International, Save the Children UK, Institute of Development Studies: Making Cash Count. London, 2005.
4. National Plan of Action on Orphaned and Vulnerable Children. Lilongwe Malawi, 2005.
5. Chronic Poverty Research Centre: The role of cash transfers in tackling childhood poverty. London: Save the Children, Chronic Poverty Research Centre, 2005.
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