Events of the past decade have underscored the vital need for social safety net (SSN) programs in all countries, especially in times of crisis. Many countries have some form of targeted SSN program, especially in high- and middle-income countries (MICs), but SSNs are increasingly spreading to the lowest income countries. Over fiscal years 2000–10, the World Bank supported SSNs with $11.5 billion in lending and an active program of analytical and advisory services and knowledge sharing, much of it during the last two years of the decade in response to the food, fuel, and financial crises. Yet the crises also pointed out weaknesses, as many MICs found that their poverty-targeted SSNs were not flexible enough to increase coverage or benefits as needed, and low-income countries (LICs) lacked poverty data and systems to target and deliver benefits.

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Efforts to Set Up Social Security Nets Grow

• Efforts to Set Up Social Security Nets Grow
• New Study Assesses World Bank Support for Programs to Target the Most Vulnerable