Volume 12, Issue 2, 2024

Getting Poverty to Zero in Nigeria Through the Lens of Social Protection Programmes.

Orunbon Nurudeen Olalekan, & Adeleke Adawi Adeola

Abstract

The goal of eliminating poverty in Nigeria is being tackled through the implementation of social protection programmes. These programmes aim to provide support and assistance to the most vulnerable members of society. Nigeria, being a country with a high poverty rate, has recognized the importance of these programmes in improving the lives of its citizens. The government has implemented various initiatives such as cash transfer programmes, school feeding programmes, and agricultural support programmes. These programmes have shown promising results in reducing poverty and improving the overall well-being of the population. However, challenges such as limited funding, inadequate coverage, and lack of coordination between different programmes still exist. To achieve the target of zero poverty, it is crucial to address these challenges and strengthen the social protection system in Nigeria. This can be done by increasing investment in social protection programmes, expanding coverage to reach more people in need, and improving coordination among different stakeholders. Additionally, it is important to ensure that these programmes are sustainable and have a long-term impact on poverty reduction. By focusing on social protection programmes and addressing the underlying causes of poverty, Nigeria can make significant progress towards achieving the goal of zero poverty.

Keywords

Poverty, Social protection programme, Cash transfer, Social insurance, School feeding.

Full Text

Download

References

Adekoya, A. F., Ogunmakin, A. O., & Oke, A. O. (2021). Strategies for reducing poverty and inequality in Nigeria. Cogent Economics and Finance, 9(1), 1-17.
Aku, P. S., Ibrahim, M.T. & Bulus, Y.D. (1997). Perspective on poverty alleviation strategies in Nigeria. In: proceedings of the Nigerian Economic society Annual conference on poverty alleviation in Nigeria. Nigerian Economic Society, Ibadan PP 41 – 51.
Alderman, H., & Bundy, D. (2012). School Feeding Programmes and Development: Are we Framing the Question Correctly? The World Bank Research Observer, 27(2), 204-221. http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/wbro/lkr005
Baird, S., Ferreira, F. H. G., Özler, B., & Woolcock, M. (2013).Relative Effectiveness of Conditional and Unconditional Cash Transfers for Schooling Outcomes in Developing Countries: A Systematic Review. Campbell Systematic Reviews 2013:8. The Campbell Collaboration.http://www.campbellcollaboration.org/lib/project/218/
Barrientos, A. (2010). Social Protection and Poverty (Social Policy and Development Programme Paper Number 42). Geneva: United Nations Research Institute for Social Development.
Bhutta, Z. A., Das, J. K., Rizvi, A., Gaffey, M. F., Walker, N., Horton, S., Webb, P., Lartey, A., & Black, R.E., (2013). Lancet Nutrition Interventions Review Group, & Maternal and Child Nutrition Study Group. Evidence based interventions for improvement of maternal and child nutrition: what can be done and at what cost? The Lancet, 382(9890), 452-477. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(13)60996-4
Fiszbein, A., & Schady,N. (2009). Conditional cash transfers. Reducing present and future poverty. Policy Research Report, World Bank.
Gentilini, U., Honorati, M., & Yemtsov, R. (2014).The State of Social Safety Nets 2014.World Bank Working Paper.
Hagen-Zanker, J., McCord, A., & Holmes, R. (2011).Systematic Review of the impact of Employment Guarantee Schemes and Cash Transfers on the Poor.London: ODI. http://www.odi.org/sites/odi.org.uk/files/odiassets/publications-opinion-files/7161.pdf
Lagarde, M., Haines, A., & Palmer, N. (2009).The Impact of Conditional Cash Transfers on Health Outcomes and Use of Health Services in Low and Middle Income Countries. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 4. Art. No. CD008137. http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD008137.
Manley, J., Gitter, S., & Slavchevska, V. (2012). How Effective are Cash Transfer Programmes at Improving Nutritional Status?A Rapid Evidence Assessment of Programmes’ Effects on Anthropometric Outcomes. London: EPPI-Centre, Social Science Research Unit, Institute of Education, University of London. http://r4d.dfid.gov.uk/PDF/Outputs/SystematicReviews/Q33-Cash-transfers-2012 Manley-rae.pdf
Narayan, D., Chambers, R., Shah, M. K., & Petesch, P. (2000). Voices of the Poor: Crying Out for Change. Oxford University Press.
Narayan, D; Patel, R; Schafft, K; Rademacher, A & Koch-Schulte S. (2000a) Voices of the Poor: Can Anyone Hear Us? New York: Oxford University Press.
Olaolu, O. T., & Amzat, J. (2020). Gender dimensions of poverty in Nigeria: A systematic review of literature. African Journal of Gender and Development, 5(3), 31-47.
Ruel, M. T., & Alderman, H. (2013). Nutrition-sensitive Interventions and Programmes: How Can They Help to Accelerate Progress in Improving Maternal and Child Nutrition? The Lancet, 382(9891), 536-551. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(13)60843-0
UNDP Human Development Report (2003). UNDP, Choices: The Human Development Magazine. World Development Report 1998/99.
World Bank (2003).The World Bank and Social Protection in Latin America and the Caribbean.http://web.worldbank.org/archive/website00912B/WEB/OTHER/665B9E2.HTM?Opendocument
World Bank (2021). Nigeria: Human Capital Index. Retrieved from https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/HNACAPNGA?locations=NG
World Bank. (2019). Nigeria - Social protection. Retrieved from https://www.worldbank.org/en/country/nigeria/brief/nigeria-socialprotection