Paper short abstract:

Debate on the social protection landscape in Zimbabwe has gained renewed momentum due to the economy's increasing informalisation, international human rights frameworks and instruments. The National Social Protection Policy Framework aims at reducing poverty through empowering and building resilience for the poor towards social protection universalisation, especially in the informal sector.

Paper long abstract:

Social protection is critical for the social and economic development of a country. Social protection schemes have become popular government intervention in developing countries. Universal social protection is rooted in the international rights framework set out by international human rights instruments and social security standards. Social protection is an investment that leads to economic and social prosperity. A universal social protection system is challenging because of increasing inequality, insecurity, instability, and informality in a world economy characterised by globalisation, financialisation and global tax competition. Social protection is now part of a comprehensive global development agenda. Debate on the social protection landscape in Zimbabwe has gained renewed momentum with a call for partnerships and mobilisation of financial and technical resources to ensure that no one is left behind as the country implements Agenda 2030 on Sustainable Development. The National Social Protection Policy Framework for Zimbabwe aims at reducing poverty through empowering and building resilience for the poor. Zimbabwe intends to move towards universalisation of social assistance to all deserving households amid socioeconomic and political challenges. Zimbabwe inherited an exclusionary social system from colonialism. Formal social protection was for the elite. The introduction of a national social security system was to increase social inclusivity. The study sought to explore the extent to which the social security policy of the Government of Zimbabwe (GoZ) has excluded informal sector practitioners from 1998 when the National Social Security Authority (NSSA) was established. The following research questions were formulated: 1) What is the current social protection policy for informal sector workers in Zimbabwe?2) What are the opportunities and limitations towards the creation of a viable social protection policy for informal sector workers? and 3) Is there an alternative model for the implementation of the social protection policy for informal sector workers in Zimbabwe? The methodology used is qualitative. Data collection tools included in-depth interviews with twenty vendors, six key informants and a literature review. The current social security schemes are exclusionary; street traders do not have access to formal social security. Irrespective of the nature of one’s illness, old age, accidents are imminent. Hence NSSA should be more inclined to the informal sector since risks are high. It is difficult for NSSA to take on informal sector employees, a noble idea but with legal limitations. Even if NSSA takes on board informal sector workers, there are chances that it would face resistance from people who are used to clandestine business methods. The informal sector is no longer for the uneducated in the volatile economic situation. Educated people, including the degreed, have joined the informal sector to survive and supplement their meagre incomes. The formally employed who have just joined the informal sector resist taxes imposed on them as they already pay various taxes. In the formal sector, the employer contributes half and the employee another half to NSSA. The question is: Who will contribute to the other half in the informal sector? Asking the informal worker to contribute a double portion results in resistance because of low income, especially for the self-employed unreliable income geared towards formalising social protection schemes, which will help in part payment to NSSA, especially in the current epoch of socio-economic hardships, which supersede futuristic needs. Clear procedures for joining NSSA should attempt to formalise and harmonise the informal sector to achieve universal social protection schemes. Considerations of the different structures of the informal sector should be on board. Section 30 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe states that "…the state must take all practical measures within the limits of the resources available to it, to provide social security and social care to those in need”. The government is responsible for the funding of social protection. Due to limited financial resources, development partners such as civil society organisations, multilateral organisations such as UNICEF, NGOs and the private sector may assist the government in enhancing the funding mechanism's adequacy, consistency, predictability, and sustainability.

The Constitution of Zimbabwe includes an inclusive Bill of Rights emphasising social protection (Sections 80 to 84) and equality of opportunities, non-discrimination, empowerment, and employment creation, focusing on children, the disabled, older people, women, and youth. In addition, specific Acts form the foundation for providing social protection in Zimbabwe. These acts include the Refugees Act (Chapter 4:03), the National Heroes Dependents Act (Chapter 10:06), the Disabled Persons Act (Chapter 17:01), The NSSA Act 17: 04 of 1989, Private Voluntary Organizations Act (Chapter 17:05), the Social Welfare Assistance Act (Chapter 17:06) and the Older Persons Act (17:11). However, there is no realignment of these acts to the 2013 Constitution of Zimbabwe. In addition, 90% of Zimbabwe’s workers are in the informal sector. A “one-size-fits-all” can never solve the problem of social exclusion. The Government should spearhead a national drive on the importance of social security. Some of the strategies that it can adopt include the formalisation of the informal sector and the regularisation of the current traditional social security schemes. These campaigns can only be fulfilled provided there is participation from all stakeholders through enlisting their opinions and recommendations. Zimbabwe has basic social protection systems. The large informal sector is a public policy failure. The economic challenges lead to underinvestment in social protection schemes. The current system is exclusionary, fragmented, and underfunded. Weak social protection sprucing is through informal sector formalisation. The government is a player and a referee in social protection schemes, but its role should be coordination through designing sustainable, social protection schemes than relying on ILO financial support. Informal workers’ non-recognition leaves them uncovered by NSSA. The worsening socio-economic environment enhances self-initiated social protection schemes.

Paper short abstract:

This paper assesses the outreach, impact and challenge associated with PMSY in three cities of India. The study adopted mixed- method approach. Findings show that a scheme like the PMSY has much potential for improving informal workers’ livelihood and food security. It provides renewed basis for the role of social protection and state intervention towards the welfare of the poor in general.

Paper long abstract:

Research context

Covid-19 restrictions generally impacted urban livelihood activities more harshly (Welsch 2021). This impact was more direct for street vendors, because their livelihoods entirely comes from mobility- both of vendors and their customers, in the streets. As an attempt to reign in Covid-19 spread, sudden lockdown was announced in India in March 2020 and mobilities were the first things to be disbanded. Coping against and recovering from the crisis became a major challenge for these workers ( Chen et al 2022, Sisay et al 2021. It was in this context that the Prime Minister Svanidhi Yojna (PMSY) was launched by the Government of India upon advocacy from the National Association of Street Vendors in India (NASVI). A nationwide scheme, PMSY is designed to provide collateral free working capital loan up to Rupess`10,000 to street vendors. Upon timely repayment, the vendors will be eligible for the next cycle of working capital loan with an enhanced limit. As reported by the Press Information Bureau (PIB 2022) of Government of India, as on March 24, 2022, a credit of ₹3,170 crore was disbursed to 29.1 lakh beneficiaries. To assess the outreach, impact and challenges of PMSY, NASVI conducted a study in three cities in India. This paper is an outcome of that study.

Methodology

The study adopted mixed- method approach. On the whole, 1088 street vendors including 793 males and 295 female street vendors were surveyed for quantitative data collection in 2022. The sample covered three cities- Patna and Bhagalpur in Bihar and Dhanbad in Jharkhand. For the qualitative part of the study, in depth ethnographic interviews were conducted with twenty street vendors randomly selected from different markets.

Analysis and conclusion

Findings from quantitative data show that PMSY has limited outreach. Although majority of street vendors in all three cities heard of PMSY, only 39.7 % of them applied for a loan and 18.5 % received the loan under the scheme. Where the scheme reached, it was effective in terms of addressing livelihood and food security concerns of street vendor. Most street vendors used the loan to reinvest in existing trade, create inventories and expand business. This in turn, has improved their earning as well as household food security. Around 50% of the beneficiaries stated that they found themselves better than those street vendors who did not receive a loan under PMSY. Around 60% of the beneficiary street vendors in all the three cities agreed that PMSY loan proved helpful in addressing their household’s food security concerns and they never slept empty stomach because of that. Noticeably, greater proportion of female beneficiaries reported benefits from PMSY and to a greater extent. Among street vendors, it is the educated who is overrepresented among the beneficiaries.

Findings from ethnographic interviews reflected lived experiences of selected street vendors. The pandemic was an immediate shock but had long term consequences for the vendors. Their livelihood was characterized by uncertainty and worry whereas lesser quantity, fewer varieties and absence of nutrition defined their food insecurity experience. Personal savings and kith and kin were the first who most vendors relied on during the crisis, followed by local government and civil society. With some hassle and some benefits, PMSY proved to be a silver lining for the beneficiaries. PMSY loan was used in expansion/revival of existing trade, which enhanced livelihood, earning and food security to some extent among the street vendors. An interesting finding from interviews was that it brought into light the expectation that the poor have from the government and the trust they repose in it. They find the government responsible for extending support not just from a material but also from a moral perspective. In context of coping with Covid-19, the state seems to have been the most prominent actor, both in terms of actual role as well as in public imagination. In the words of a female vendor “Family should help…But Government will definitely help”. Initiation of PMSY strengthened this notion and as expressed by some of the interviewees there was renewed faith reposed in the government.

The study also captured street vendors’ opinion on the challenges they faced in accessing the PMSY. Although many beneficiaries were supported by municipal bodies and vendors’ association in availing the scheme, the process appeared to be cumbersome and time-taking for them. It was challenge for street vendors to deal with banks and that’s why it is the educated who could access the scheme more. Very small proportion of street vendors applied for second phase of loan, again due to technical handicaps in the process. the outreach of PMSY is low, especially in Bhagalpur. Outreach and access of PMSY was the highest in Dhanbad. However, the data shows that most of the street vendors who availed scheme benefitted substantially from the PMSY loan, despite reported accessibility challenges. Additionally, street vendors now look forward to continued support from the government. A scheme like the PMSY has much potential in terms of improving informal street vendors’ livelihood and food security, especially during the times of disaster like Covid-19. PMSY in fact, provides renewed basis for the role of social protection and state intervention towards the welfare of the poor in general and street vendors in particular.

Paper short abstract:

This study explores Children in institutional care (CCI)’s Capability to Play using the novel framework of Capability Approach (CA). The CA emphasizes enhancing individuals' capabilities to lead lives they value, which aligns with the intricate needs of CCI. This qualitative research employs a multi-stakeholder participatory approach and uses thematic analysis to explore CCI's capability to play.

Paper long abstract:

Research Context

Children under the institutional care of the state (CCI) constitute one of the most vulnerable segments of society, facing a myriad of challenges that can significantly impact their well-being and long-term development outcomes (Evans et al., 2017; Kendrick et al., 2008). Scholars have recognized CCI as active agents capable of navigating and shaping their social contexts and have advocated for the creation of supportive environments that empower CCI to exercise their agency and realize their full potential (Holland, 2009; Quarmby & Luguetti, 2023). This paper seeks to explore the multifaceted dimensions of CCI’s capabilities, particularly the ‘Capability to Play’ through the lens of the Capability Approach (CA), developed by Amartya Sen and further elaborated upon by Martha Nussbaum (Nussbaum, 2011; Sen, 1999). Central to the CA, is the concept of enhancing individuals' capabilities to live lives they value which aligns well with the complex needs of CCIs during their rehabilitation and reintegration processes (Dixon & Nussbaum, 2012; Holland, 2009; Robeyns, 2017).

Internationally, there has been a notable increase in the number of CCIs, necessitating a reevaluation of existing approaches and the development of more effective strategies to support their well-being (Quarmby & Luguetti, 2023). Contemporary discourse underscores the pervasive adversities confronted by CCIs, including developmental delays, behavioral problems, attachment disorders, and elevated risk of involvement in criminal proceedings (Browne, 2017; Kendrick et al., 2008; Staines, 2017).

Nussbaum's formulation of ten central human capabilities provides a foundational framework for evaluating well-being and social justice, with play being recognized as a fundamental capability essential for a dignified life (Nussbaum, 2011; Robeyns, 2017). While there are nuanced distinctions among the terminologies of sports, play, and leisure, this study adopts a comprehensive approach, using the overarching term 'Play' to encompass both sporting activities and recreational pursuits.

Research Methodology:

Research on CCI has generally relied on the perspectives of other stakeholders, often overlooking the voices of the children themselves (Holland, 2009). One of the most important dimensions of this two-phase study is to amplify the voices of CCI and the use of the multistakeholder strategy of Participatory Action Research. A Systematic literature review is being done which will be followed by a qualitative pilot study in phase one in the month of April-May 2024. Online semi-structured Interviews of the following five key informants will be conducted to gather the data:

1. Lived experience of CCI – 02 (age group 16-18 years)

2. Caregivers– 02

3. Representative of a voluntary organization – 01

Thematic analysis would be done to identify important patterns and themes in terms of CCI’s capability to play. It is proposed to conduct a comprehensive mixed-method empirical field study in the month of April-June 2025 (phase 2) based on the discussions with key stakeholders on the findings of the pilot study. Throughout the two phases of the study, established ethical principles and guidelines for research involving human subjects and vulnerable children will be adhered to.

Analysis & Conclusion

Though Nussbaum provides a relatively brief definition of play within her capability framework, recent scholarship underscores its centrality across the lifespan and its critical role in promoting well-being, human capital development, and social justice (Jones et al., 2017; UNICEF, 2021). More specifically, in the context of CCI, the play offers opportunities for self-expression, exploration, and empowerment, thereby contributing to CCI’s overall development and sense of agency (Quarmby, 2014; Sandford et al., 2020).

Drawing on the above discourse, I argue that the CA offers a fresh and novel framework to evaluate and address CCI’s capability to play, emphasizing the enhancement of their substantive freedoms and opportunities for a dignified life. In conclusion, this study aims to contribute to the evolving scholarly debate by examining the CCI’s capability to play through the lens of the capability approach in the Indian context by adopting a multi-stakeholder participatory approach.

Keywords: children in institutional care; capability approach; capability to play; sports and recreational activities 

References

Browne, E. (2017). Children in care institutions. K4D Helpdesk Report. Brighton, UK: Institute of Development Studies. https://www.ids.ac.uk/publications/children-in-care-institutions/

Dixon, R., Nussbaum, M. C. (2012). Children's Rights and a Capabilities Approach: The Question of Special Priority. Cornell Law Review, Vol. 97, 2012, U of Chicago, Public Law Working Paper No. 384. http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2060614

Evans, R., Brown, R., Rees, G., & Smith, P. (2017). Systematic review of educational interventions for looked-after children and young people: Recommendations for intervention development and evaluation. British Educational Research Journal, 43(1), 68–94. https://doi.org/10.1002/berj.3252

Holland, S. (2009). Listening to children in care: A review of methodological and theoretical approaches to understanding looked after children’s perspectives. Children and Society, 23(3), 226–235. https://doi.org/10.1111/J.1099-0860.2008.00213.X

Jones, G. J., Edwards, M. B., Bocarro, J. N., Bunds, K. S., & Smith, J. W. (2017). An integrative review of sport-based youth development literature. Sport in Society, 20(1), 161–179. https://doi.org/10.1080/17430437.2015.1124569

Kendrick, A., Steckley, L., & Lerpiniere, J. (2008). Ethical issues, research, and vulnerability: gaining the views of children and young people in residential care. Children's Geographies, 6 (1), 79-93. https://doi.org/10.1080/14733280701791967

Nussbaum, M. C. 2011. Creating Capabilities: The Human Development Approach. Cambridge,

MA: Harvard University Press

Quarmby T (2014) Sport and physical activity in the lives of looked-after children: a 'hidden group' in research, policy and practice. Sport, Education and Society, 19 (7), 944-958. https://doi.org/10.1080/13573322.2013.860894

Quarmby, T., & Luguetti, C. (2023). Rethinking pedagogical practices with care-experienced young people: lessons from a sport-based programme analysed through a Freirean lens. Physical Education and Sport Pedagogy, 28(3), 276–290. https://doi.org/10.1080/17408989.2021.1976742

Robeyns, I. (2017). Wellbeing, Freedom and Social Justice: The Capability Approach Re-examined. Cambridge, UK: Open Book Publisher. https://doi.org/10.11647/OBP.0130

Sandford, R., Quarmby, T., Duncombe, R., Hooper, O. (2020). Right to Be Active: Young People Report. Project Report. Leeds Beckett University. https://eprints.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/id/eprint/6496/

Sen, A (1999). Development as Freedom. New York: Alfred A. Knopf

Staines, J. (2017). Looked after children and youth justice: A response to recent reviews. Safer Communities, 16(3), 102–111. https://doi.org/10.1108/SC-01-2017-0005

UNICEF (2021). Playing the Game A framework for successful child focused sport for development programmes. https://www.unicef-irc.org/publications/pdf/Playing-the-Game-Report_A-framework-for-successful-child-focused-sport-for-development-programmes.pdf

Paper short abstract:

The paper analyses the role of social protection in reducing multidimensional poverty at the cross-country level. We use a novel database of multidimensional poverty covering many countries and years; we also collect and harmonize data on social protection expenditures and other relevant variables. We look at trends and then estimate the effects of social protection on multidimensional poverty.

Paper long abstract:

The reduction, and ultimately the elimination, of multidimensional poverty is one of the fundamental development objectives, as represented by SDG1. Compared to income poverty, the reduction of multidimensional poverty is not just related to increasing incomes, but also to improve people’s capabilities. In order to achieve such goal, governments can use different policies. One of them is social protection, which aims at reducing poverty and vulnerability. Its use has increased significantly especially in lower income countries in the last two decades and it played a central role in the Covid-19 context.

Current evidence from program evaluations shows that social protection, and especially social assistance, have been successful in meeting its poverty reduction goals most of the time. In addition, cross-country studies from national household surveys have shown that expenditures and benefits incidence (coverage) in social protection decreased poverty.

What is missing is evidence in relation to multidimensional poverty. This is crucial for several reasons. First, it is clear that policies and strategies that affect income poverty, not necessarily have the same impact on non-monetary dimensions of poverty. Indeed, recent research shows that economic growth reduces income poverty five eight times more than multidimensional poverty. Second, multidimensional poverty is likely to be affected by expenditures on social protection but also other relevant sectors (such as health and education). Third, in times of uncertainty and crisis, it is important to understand how to maximize multidimensional poverty reduction – and thus, achieve SDG 1 of the 2030 Agenda - in light of potential budget restrictions and low fiscal space.

To fill this gap, we explore the role of social protection in multidimensional poverty reduction in the last three decades. And we also analyze the role of expenditures in other sectors. Taking advantage of the time dimension of our data, we also focus and explore the role of social protection for multidimensional poverty in times and/or situations of crises.

We use a novel database of multidimensional poverty covering many countries and years. Our multidimensional poverty index has the advantage of being at the individual level rather than the household one. Compared to existing databases, we also cover a wider range of low- and middle-income countries and a longer time span. In parallel to our database on multidimensional poverty, we collect and harmonize data from different sources on social protection expenditures as well as other government expenditures and other relevant variables.

We first look at trends in multidimensional poverty and social protection expenditures, using our novel data; in particular we explore if there are regional heterogeneities and multidimensional poverty and social protection expenditures evolve with economic development.

We then estimate in a regression framework the effects of social protection on multidimensional poverty. We also plan to focus on the different dimensions of our index (health, education and employment), as well as on different groups (e.g., urban and rural people, men and women).

In this way, we explore the potential of social protection for multidimensional poverty also in times of crises and propose implications for social protection funding. This could also shed light on how to integrate social protection expenditures/budget with budgets for other ministries/sectors; this could improve institutionalization of social protection programs in the long term and less reliant on budget from international organizations. This can also inform how to move forward towards nationally chosen and locally appropriate social protection systems within a holistic social policy framework.

Keywords: social protection, multidimensional poverty, poverty measurement, econometric analysis, social expenditures.

Paper short abstract:

This paper will explore challenges and best practices in implementing data-driven decision-making within social protection programmes. It will delve into the anticipated impact on programme effectiveness, equity, and inclusivity, with a focus on technology and ethical considerations.

Paper long abstract:

Research Context:

In the evolving landscape of social protection, the integration of data-driven decision-making is becoming pivotal for the anticipated optimization of programme efficacy. This paper will delve into the multifaceted dynamics of utilizing data in social protection initiatives, with an emphasis on both anticipated challenges and best practices. The context is set against the backdrop of the anticipated evolution of global crises, emphasizing the need for responsive and adaptive social protection systems. As crises are expected to deepen inequalities, understanding how data can inform decision-making is anticipated to become paramount.

Methodology:

The research will employ a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative and quantitative analyses. Qualitative methods will include anticipated in-depth case studies of select social protection programmes, interviews with key stakeholders, and anticipated content analysis of policy documents. On the quantitative front, anticipated data-driven metrics will be used to assess the expected impact of technology-driven decision-making on programme outcomes, equity, and inclusivity. A comparative analysis of various social protection models incorporating anticipated data-driven strategies will be undertaken to derive comprehensive insights.

Analysis:

Challenges:

The paper will identify and analyze anticipated challenges associated with implementing data-driven decision-making in social protection. These challenges may include issues of data privacy, potential biases in algorithms, digital divides, and the ethical considerations surrounding the use of personal information. Additionally, the paper will explore the anticipated organizational and structural hurdles faced by governments and implementing agencies in transitioning to data-centric approaches.

Best Practices:

Drawing on anticipated successful case studies and examples from around the globe, the paper will outline best practices for integrating data-driven decision-making in social protection. This will encompass the development of robust data governance frameworks, leveraging technology for targeted interventions, and ensuring inclusivity in the design and implementation phases. Anticipated successful examples of countries effectively using data to enhance the responsiveness and adaptability of their social protection systems will be highlighted.

Conclusion:

The analysis is expected to reveal that while challenges exist, the strategic incorporation of data-driven decision-making in social protection programmes has the potential to revolutionize the sector. The paper will conclude by emphasizing the need for a balanced approach, addressing challenges through ethical frameworks, stakeholder engagement, and continuous monitoring. It will call for a commitment to leveraging data not only for programme optimization but also for addressing the deep-rooted inequalities expected to be exposed and exacerbated by crises. As the conference theme revolves around crises, capabilities, and commitment, this paper will underscore the critical role of data-driven decision-making in building resilient and responsive social protection systems that uphold human capabilities even in the face of anticipated multifaceted crises.