Shock-Responsive Social Protection Systems Research: Literature Review (2nd Edition)

DFID has commissioned research into Shock-Responsive Social Protection systems, to further understand the nature of the interaction between social protection, humanitarian and disaster risk management systems and ways in which long-term social protection systems can be scaled up to provide support in humanitarian emergencies.

The literature review summarises the evidence as to why social protection—and particularly social transfers—as a vehicle for moving forward with this vision is conceptually appealing. At its core social protection is a risk management tool for households and individuals. Social transfer programmes are growing in coverage and form the foundation of emerging social protection systems in crisis-affected countries. They have similar administration requirements to humanitarian programmes that transfer cash and food. Providing assistance during crises through these systems also allows national governments to take responsibility for meeting needs within their territory and a medium-term exit strategy for humanitarian aid.