“The last decade has seen social protection gaining centrality in the development agenda of many African countries. Several factors explain this heightened interest. Firstly, despite
evidence of considerable economic growth across the continent, poverty and vulnerability continue to persist. In turn this has prompted resurgence in awareness and debate about the effectiveness of growth alone in delivering the continent’s ambitious development goals. Secondly, it is evident that the safety-net programmes which were introduced in the 1990s in
many African countries as part of attempts to tackle the poverty that accompanied structural adjustment programmes have failed. This failure to respond appropriately and adequately is
in part a reflection of the complexity of poverty, risk and vulnerability.”
