Alleviating Chronic Poverty in Africa: Emerging Evidence in Financial Inclusion and Social Protection

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Title
Alleviating Chronic Poverty in Africa: Emerging Evidence in Financial Inclusion and Social Protection
Author
Rewa Shankar Misra
Year
2014
Abstract
This paper examines the persistent and intergenerational nature of chronic poverty in Sub-Saharan Africa, focusing on the intersection of social protection and financial inclusion. It highlights how conventional economic growth has failed to significantly reduce poverty in the region due to high inequality and systemic challenges. The study emphasizes the importance of integrated strategies that combine cash transfers, asset-building, savings, insurance, and livelihood training to support resilience and sustainable economic empowerment. It reviews global examples, including successful programs in Mexico, Brazil, and Bangladesh, while exploring promising African models like Kenya’s Hunger Safety Net Program and Ethiopia’s Productive Safety Net Program. The paper also advocates for client-centered program design, market linkages, and national government ownership to ensure scale and sustainability. Ultimately, it calls for an adaptive, inclusive approach to financial service delivery, capable of addressing household vulnerabilities, enabling intergenerational mobility, and breaking poverty traps in chronically poor communities.
Resource Subject
  • Poverty
Keywords/Access Points
Chronic Poverty; Social Protection Programs; Financial Inclusion Strategies; Intergenerational Poverty Alleviation; Cash Transfers; Livelihoods; Resilience; Risk Management; Sub-Saharan Africa
Geographic Locations
  • Africa
Language
  • English
Special Collections
  • Foundation Publications
Archival Record ID
MFA.2024.0770