The Role of Social Protection for Food and Nutrition Security

Desk study with practical examples and reflections on the international discussion

The interest of national governments to invest in social protection is increasing – partly in recognition of scientifically proven effectiveness for poverty reduction, for food and nutrition security, for human productivity, and for investment in agricultural and off-farm production.

Social protection instruments can ensure that there is adequate food for everyone, the essentials to survive, even for the poorest and most vulnerable in a society.

If the tools are designed well:

  • They can improve the quality of diets
  • Contribute to better education for women and girls
  • Develop the productive and social infrastructure
  • Preserve and rehabilitate natural resources
  • Galvanize the rural economy

Aims of the study

  • Provide an overview of potential effects and corresponding evidence and studies
  • Present examples of good practice
  • Identify success factors and critical contextual conditions.

These include linking agricultural and nutrition policies and programmes with social protection approaches, as well as design and implementation aspects in order to make social protection programmes nutrition-sensitive.

About the publication

A contribution by Barbara Rohregger

Contact

For further information contact Annette Roth (annette.roth@giz.de), Sector Project Agricultural Policy and Food Security.