Expanding access to social protection for rural populations

FAO

Expanding access to social protection for rural populations

Year of publication 2023

Place of publication Rome, Italy ;

Pages 2p.

Author FAO

Publisher FAO ;

Product type Brochure, flyer, fact-sheet

Full item page

Synopsis (short abstract) Social protection is a human right, a commitment in the SDGs and it is an effective policy instrument to address the multiple crises we currently face like a changing climate, conflict and their links with poverty, hunger and inequality. While progress has been made in expanding access to social protection, there are still massive gaps in coverage. This is especially worrying in rural areas where there is a concentration of poor and vulnerable people with limited access to financial and social services, and informal employment is widespread. Consequently, poor and vulnerable rural households face colossal challenges in beneficially participating in economic opportunities, such as those in agrifood systems. Without access to adequate and comprehensive social protection, rural populations risk being left behind, blocking progress on reducing poverty and inequality.

Last updated 15/06/2023

Language English

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Social protection is recognized as an effective strategy for poverty eradication. It also contributes to promoting good health and well-being, achieving decent employment, fostering economic growth and reducing inequalities – objectives that are reflected in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG targets 1.3, 3.8, 5.4 and 10.4). When designed to reduce and prevent poverty, food insecurity, and vulnerability across the life cycle – social protection policies and programmes can effectively support vulnerable households to improve their lives. The issue lies in the fact that only 45 per cent of the global population is currently effectively covered by at least one social benefit and the remaining 55 per cent – some 4 billion people – are left unprotected. "On the path to universal coverage" identifies and analyses existing the barriers of access to social protection for rural populations (legal, institutional, financial) and also explores international experiences to identify potential solutions to overcome these barriers in a systematized manner. This paper aims to shed light on the current gaps in social protection programmes and offers solutions for policy-makers and stakeholders to take into account in the design and implementation stages of their own projects.
Policy brief

How can FAO assist in improving social protection for rural communities in Europe and Central Asia?
sep/22
2022

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FAO’s Strategic Framework 2022–2031 envisages the transformation to more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agrifood systems for better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life, leaving no one behind. In this scope, FAO promotes inclusive economic growth by reducing inequalities between urban and rural areas, rich and poor countries, men and women to attain a better life for all. This policy brief highlights the gaps and barriers concerning social protection in the region, which present challenges for addressing the specific vulnerabilities of rural populations and helping them to better manage risks. The brief discusses how social protection programmes should be designed and it specifies key entry points for FAO to improve social protection for rural populations in the region. The brief concludes that, especially in the post-pandemic period, expanding the coverage, adequacy and comprehensiveness of social protection for rural populations is key to addressing food security and nutrition, rural poverty, developing agriculture, and building resilient and sustainable food systems in Europe and Central Asia.