Social Protection

Spotlight Conditional Cash Transfer Programs: An Effective Tool for Poverty Alleviation? Cash transfers are important safety net programs that can enhance income of the poor and human capabilities. Read the brief.

Conditional cash transfer program in the Philippines benefits families. Read the article CCT in Philippines is 'teaching people how to fish'*

Social Protection
Updated: 7 August 2008

Reducing risks, increasing opportunities

Social protection consists of policies and programs designed to reduce poverty and vulnerability by promoting efficient labor markets, diminishing people's exposure to risks, enhancing their capacity to protect themselves against hazards and interruption/loss of income.

There are five main areas in social protection:

1. labor market policies and programs designed to promote employment, the efficient operation of labor markets and the protection of workers
2. social insurance programs to cushion the risks associated with unemployment, ill health, disability, work-related injury and old age
3. social assistance and welfare service programs for the most vulnerable groups with no other means of adequate support, including single mothers, the homeless, or physically or mentally challenged people
4. micro-and area-based schemes to address vulnerability at the community level, including microinsurance, agricultural insurance, social funds and programs to manage natural disasters
5. child protection to ensure the healthy and productive development of children

When implemented properly, these policies and programs can make a major contribution to ADB's overarching goal of poverty reduction.