The future of social protection in Africa

Within more empowered segments of the poor population in African societies, demand for social protection programs is on the rise due to the historically elevated poverty levels, faster economic growth, rapid urbanization and increasingly open, pluralistic political systems. As most Africans still make their living from the land, they are particularly vulnerable to weather, natural disasters, and climate shocks and food insecurity are daily realities. Yet, in contrast to other regions, coverage of social protection is extremely low in African countries (Figure 1).

Photo credit: Anouk Delafortrie/EC/ECHO