Integrating The Concept Of Adaptive Social Protection Into Poverty Alleviation Policies

The combined effects of pandemics, disasters, and climate change disproportionately affect low-income households. Many in low- and middle-income countries resort to negative coping mechanisms, such as selling assets to survive. Countries with robust safety nets can prevent widespread poverty and reduce inequality compared to other countries. Expanding the scope and reach of social protection policies is therefore essential. The Adaptive Social Protection (ASP) framework plays a role in enhancing regular social protection by expanding benefits and coverage for vulnerable populations, especially in the context of disaster risk reduction (DRR) and climate change adaptation (CCA). Empowering disadvantaged groups through ASP increases resilience. Responsive programs are essential to help marginalised communities adapt better. This policy brief advocates for integrating the ASP concept into poverty alleviation policies, aligning initiatives for shocks-affected communities. Given ASP’s prominence on the previous G20 agenda, this brief offers concrete strategies, including one based on Indonesia’s approach of integrating ASP into the national development plan to drive social transformation. Our strategies emphasise evidence-based approaches, knowledge dissemination, and data utilisation. By championing ASP, comprehensive protection can be ensured for impoverished and vulnerable households, enabling them to prepare for, cope with, and adapt to various shocks. The policy brief outlines recommendations for the G20 to promote ASP through four pillars: institutional arrangement and partnerships, program design and delivery systems, data and information systems, and financing. We also provide a scenario of how ASP can be implemented up to the national level through G20 initiatives.