New report confirms that social protection is effective for pro-poor climate action

Rome - The latest research conducted by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) reveals that social protection can foster economic inclusion of small-scale producers in the face of climate change.

Drawing on numerous studies, the report  offers a conceptual framework of the barriers and pathways through which social protection facilitates climate adaptation and mitigation at both the household and territorial levels.  

The poorest  rural people face greater risks to their livelihoods due to the effects of climate change. They need to adjust their production methods and livelihoods to confront climate-related challenges. Frequently, they lack access to essential services, skills and knowledge. It is difficult to know if their efforts will pay off and how to manage their immediate needs with long-term investments.

Social protection programmes ensure a minimum consumption floor, liquidity and training to shift production and livelihood choices.

These programmes contribute to climate adaptation by promoting the adoption of adaptive agricultural practices, diversifying income sources and livelihoods to those that are less sensitive to climate change , and managing natural resources while restoring ecosystems. 

For climate mitigation, social protection programmes reduce greenhouse gas emissions by increasing forest cover and restoring the natural resource base. They can also ease policy transitions, such as the reversal of fossil fuel subsides, the phasing out of coal and energy intensive production methods, and the increase in protected areas. Cash transfers and job training and placements services can help dampen the possible income shocks of these policies and help people move to green jobs.

Investing in social protection

The publication calls for enhanced social protection systems and tailored measures to the needs of vulnerable people, including rural women and Indigenous Peoples.

Another recommendation is to strengthen community institutions, as they promote local capacity for implementing adaptation measures, empower local actors to access resources, and facilitate collaborative decision-making.

Garima Bhalla, FAO Economist, explained that the review has emphasized the necessity of undertaking a systems approach to integrate social protection, climate action and livelihood programmes, fostering coordination and collaboration across multiple sectors, stakeholders and governance levels.

The review identifies some gaps. Further investigation is needed  to understand which climate adaptive practices are suitable in what context, which barriers prevent  people from taking up tailored strategies, and how to address gender-specific vulnerabilities to climate change. This will help shape complementary interventions that are effective and inclusive.   

A vision for inclusive climate action

The publication is part of FAO´s efforts to connect social protection and inclusive climate action for rural populations.

It emphasizes the importance of integrating climate change into social protection programmes to achieve climate-related objectives, warning that failure to do so will result in minimal climate impacts.

“FAO’s focus on social protection serves as an integral entry point for a more inclusive rural agrifood transformation which leaves no one behind,” said Marco Knowles, Head of the FAO Social Protection team. “This is an effective investment to safeguard and improve the livelihoods of small-scale producers,” he added. 

FAO has worked extensively on this topic in recent years and has generated a growing body of insights. The Organization is uniquely well-positioned to mobilize technical expertise through policy and programming in rural settings, and to establish partnerships between stakeholders in the social protection, climate, and agrifood sectors. At a country level, FAO is expanding its portfolio of projects connecting social protection and inclusive climate action.

Other key facts and figures captured in the report

• Public employment programmes through water and land management works have increased water availability, maintained groundwater levels, reduced soil erosion and increased soil organic carbon content.
• Evidence across Nicaragua, India, and Ethiopia suggests that when social protection programmes are combined with other agricultural support measures, such as access to extension services and technology transfer, it encourages a move away from livelihood practices sensitive to climate variability such as farming to more non-farm income generating activities.
• Ethiopia’s Productive Safety Nets Programme increased tree cover and annually cut CO2 emissions, estimated to be 1.5 percent Ethiopia´s pledged reduction in its National Determined Contribution (NDC). Similarly, India’s Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme contributes to India’s NDC targets by establishing carbon sinks through its drought proofing activities.
• Brazil’s Bolsa Verde Programme reduced deforestation by 22 percent inside treated areas compared to similar untreated areas. The programme more than paid for itself in that the benefits from carbon dioxide reductions were valued at USD 415 million between 2011 and 2015, four times its cost.