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The role of social assistance in African crises: a systematic literature review

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  • Kalle Hirvonen
  • Patricia Justino
  • Rodrigo Oliveira

Abstract

This systematic review examines the effectiveness of social assistance programmes in protecting households in Africa—a region highly vulnerable to climate change, conflict, and other shocks—during periods of crisis. Despite the significant increase in the number of these programmes over the past two decades, the need for emergency aid remains. Our review focuses on quantitative studies using microdata to assess the impact of these programmes on household income, poverty, assets, and food security outcomes during crises.

Suggested Citation

  • Kalle Hirvonen & Patricia Justino & Rodrigo Oliveira, 2024. "The role of social assistance in African crises: a systematic literature review," WIDER Working Paper Series wp-2024-79, World Institute for Development Economic Research (UNU-WIDER).
    • Handle: RePEc:unu:wpaper:wp-2024-79
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    6. Hirvonen, Kalle & Gilligan, Daniel O. & Leight, Jessica & Tambet, Heleene & Villa, Victor, 2023. "Do ultra-poor graduation programs build resilience against droughts? Evidence from rural Ethiopia," IFPRI discussion papers 2206, International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI).
    7. Rachel Sabates-Wheeler & Kalle Hirvonen & Jeremy Lind & John Hoddinott, 2022. "Expanding Social Protection Coverage with Humanitarian Aid: Lessons on Targeting and Transfer Values from Ethiopia," Journal of Development Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 58(10), pages 1981-2000, October.
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    Cited by:

    1. Liana Chikwekwe & Sydney Sihubwa & Muchimba Sarah Siamachoka & Roosa Lambin & Milla Nyyssölä & Rodrigo Oliveira, 2024. "Social protection in humanitarian contexts: exploring stakeholder views from Zambia," WIDER Working Paper Series wp-2024-91, World Institute for Development Economic Research (UNU-WIDER).

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