1. Raindrop in the drought? Vulnerability to climate shocks and the role of social protection in Zambia
- Author:
- Katrin Gasior, Pia Rattenhuber, Adnan Shahir, and Anna Zasova
- Publication Date:
- 12-2024
- Content Type:
- Working Paper
- Institution:
- United Nations University
- Abstract:
- Zambia’s reliance on rain-fed agriculture makes its economy and population highly vulnerable to frequent droughts and irregular rainfall. This paper assesses the role of social protection, specifically the Social Cash Transfer (SCT) program, in mitigating drought-induced poverty and consumption declines. Using the MicroZAMOD microsimulation model and districtlevel rainfall data, we find that rainfall shocks significantly increase poverty and reduce household consumption, disproportionately affecting the poorest households. While the current SCT program provides some relief, reforms to eligibility criteria, particularly removing the household composition requirement, could improve targeting, expand coverage, and strengthen resilience against climate-related economic shocks.
- Topic:
- Agriculture, Climate Change, Tax Systems, Vulnerability, and Social Protection
- Political Geography:
- Africa and Zambia