Adaptive Social Protection Systems for Vulnerable Populations

The Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) region is one of the most socio-economically unequal regions in the world, where high levels of poverty and vulnerability are exacerbated by a variety of factors, including frequent natural disasters and the impacts of climate change. According to recent data, one in four people in LAC live in a poor household, with many individuals employed in the informal economy. These factors have created a persistent cycle of vulnerability for large segments of the population. This is exacerbated by unequal and fragmented access to adequate social protection. This technical note explores the potential of ASP to improve social resilience in LAC, offering a review of key concepts, a discussion of challenges and opportunities in the region, examples of global best practices, and recommendations for policymakers. By focusing on the integration of social protection with climate risk management and emergency response, ASP can provide a critical safety net for vulnerable populations, ensuring that they are not only protected from the impacts of shocks but also empowered to adapt and thrive in a rapidly changing world.