Shock-Responsive Social Protection: What is Known About What Works in Fragile and Conflict-Affected Situations?

Abstract

While shock-responsive social protection (SRSP) has become popular in global and national development discourses, its operationalisation in fragile and conflict-affected situations (FCAS) remains more limited, yet it is arguably here where it could meaningfully contribute to wider nexus approaches. By exploring experiences in a range of countries, the paper explores what is known about the use of SRSP in FCAS, and identifies further areas of potential research for the BASIC Research programme. It also assesses the state of knowledge regarding a number of key questions being raised among stakeholders, namely: What is known about navigating the ethical and political dilemmas around attempting SRSP in FCAS? What is known about the specific requirements for displaced populations and other excluded or vulnerable groups? What is known about when it might be ill-advised to attempt SRSP in FCAS?