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Safety nets in transition economies : a primer

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  • Fox, Louise

Abstract

This paper focuses on the experience of the transition countries of Eastern Europe and Central Asia, in providing adequate safety nets for the poor during the last ten years. The paper discusses the problem of poverty, and vulnerability, and looks at the typical types of interventions offered by governments. Moreover, it surveys the evidence on the effectiveness of these programs to reach the poor, in poverty reduction, and other aspects of poverty. The striking results, as in all countries, show how classic targeted safety net policies played a minimal role in reducing poverty; partly, because of the uniqueness of the period - conventional good practice was not applicable. Recently, several countries in the region have improved the coverage of their programs. Low income countries may find that implementing a cash benefit system is too costly, and administratively complex, although it should be noted that Armenia, and Albania have both implemented programs successfully. These countries may try less complex solutions, such as distributing food rations through schools, or school feeding programs. Fee waivers, or subsidies to improve access to social services for the poor, could also be helpful.

Suggested Citation

  • Fox, Louise, 2003. "Safety nets in transition economies : a primer," Social Protection Discussion Papers and Notes 25985, The World Bank.
  • Handle: RePEc:wbk:hdnspu:25985
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Khuram Shahzad, 2015. "Performance Evaluation of an Industrial Cluster-based Common Facility Centre (CFC) in Pakistan," Journal of Infrastructure Development, India Development Foundation, vol. 7(1), pages 35-54, June.
    2. Easterlin, Richard A., 2009. "Lost in transition: Life satisfaction on the road to capitalism," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 71(2), pages 130-145, August.
    3. Marek Gora & Grzegorz Kula & Magdalena Rokicka & Oleksandr Rohozynsky & Anna Ruzik, 2008. "Social Security, Labour Market and Restructuring: Current Situation and Expected Outcomes of Reforms," ESCIRRU Working Papers 5, DIW Berlin, German Institute for Economic Research.
    4. Marek Góra & Oleksandr Rohozynsky, 2008. "Social Security Influence on Labor Mobility: Possible Opportunities and Challenges," ESCIRRU Working Papers 7, DIW Berlin, German Institute for Economic Research.
    5. Avram, Silvia, 2013. "Social assistance in Central and Eastern Europe: features and characteristics," ISER Working Paper Series 2013-19, Institute for Social and Economic Research.
    6. Stephen Devereux & Edoardo Masset & Rachel Sabates-Wheeler & Michael Samson & Althea-Maria Rivas & Dolf te Lintelo, 2017. "The targeting effectiveness of social transfers," Journal of Development Effectiveness, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 9(2), pages 162-211, April.
    7. Margaret Grosh & Carlo del Ninno & Emil Tesliuc & Azedine Ouerghi, 2008. "For Protection and Promotion : The Design and Implementation of Effective Safety Nets," World Bank Publications - Books, The World Bank Group, number 6582, December.

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