Child Poverty and Social Protection in Central and Western Africa

This book examines the extent and types of social protection coverage in Western and Central Africa, focusing on preventing and addressing the consequences of child poverty. It argues that child poverty should be measured based on constitutive rights of poverty and that inequality, lack of access to basic social services, and the presence of families without any type of social protection are the underlying drivers of child poverty.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 302 pages
Publication date: 25 November 2021
Publisher: ibidem-Verlag, Jessica Haunschild u Christian Schon

In the realm of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Livingstone Declaration, and the United Nations Social Protection Floor, this book delves into the intricate relationship between multi-dimensional child poverty and social protection in Western and Central Africa. It explores both the breadth and variety of social protection coverage, while also examining various trends in child poverty within the region. Moreover, it takes a critical look at social protection as a means to prevent and mitigate the consequences of child poverty. Child poverty, unlike adult poverty, possesses distinct conceptual and quantitative characteristics that necessitate its own independent measurement. Failure to account for child poverty could result in an incomplete assessment of poverty reduction efforts, as half of the population in developing countries may go unnoticed. This book advocates for measuring child poverty based on the fundamental rights of poverty, employing a multi-dimensional approach. Chapters within the book provide practical applications and further expand this framework, bolstering the argument for a rights-based approach to combating child poverty. Furthermore, the book highlights the underlying drivers of child poverty, including inequality, limited access to essential social services, and the absence of social protection for families. Recognizing these root causes is crucial in understanding the complexities of child poverty and its impact on individuals, communities, and societies as a whole.

Poverty reduction has remained a prominent focus on the international agenda since the turn of the millennium. Initially as part of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and now seamlessly integrated into the SDGs. Despite a notable decline in child poverty rates, reducing the number of impoverished children remains a challenge due to population dynamics. Consequently, accompanying issues such as the rise of child brides, unregulated/dangerous migration, and the persistence of child trafficking persist as intractable problems. Understanding the root causes of child poverty and its unique characteristics in Western and Central Africa is essential in developing effective strategies to address this pressing issue.

One key aspect of child poverty is its multidimensional nature. Children face a range of deprivations, including lack of access to quality education, healthcare, clean water, and nutritious food. They may also be subjected to violence, exploitation, and abuse, which further exacerbates their vulnerability and perpetuates the cycle of poverty. Moreover, child poverty often intersects with other social and economic factors, such as gender inequality, discrimination, and limited economic opportunities. Addressing these multifaceted challenges requires a comprehensive and integrated approach that addresses the root of poverty and promotes social inclusion and equity.

Social protection is a crucial tool in combating child poverty. It encompasses a wide range of measures and policies aimed at providing support and protection to vulnerable families and children. These include cash transfers, social insurance, employment programs, and social services such as healthcare, education, and child welfare. By providing a safety net and reducing the risk of poverty, social protection can help break the cycle of poverty and promote sustainable development. However, the effectiveness of social protection programs depends on their design, implementation, and sustainability.

One challenge in implementing social protection programs is ensuring that they reach the intended beneficiaries. This requires a robust targeting mechanism that identifies the most vulnerable families and children and ensures that resources are allocated effectively. Additionally, social protection programs should be designed to address the root causes of child poverty, such as inequality, lack of access to basic social services, and the absence of social protection mechanisms. This requires a holistic approach that considers the social, economic, and political factors that contribute to child poverty and promotes inclusive growth and development.

Another challenge is ensuring the sustainability of social protection programs over time. This requires a commitment to long-term investment and policy reforms that promote social inclusion and equity. It also requires building the capacity of governments, civil society.

Weight: 442g
Dimension: 149 x 212 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783838211763