Social Protection Responsive Measures to Mitigate Adverse Socioeconomic Effects of COVID-19 in Southern Africa

Abstract

This chapter provides an understanding of the state of social protection mechanisms in the Southern African Development Community region and gives reference to two cases from the same region in relation to their social protection response during the COVID-19 pandemic. Secondary data were used to provide an understanding of social responsive measures to mitigate poverty during the COVID-19 pandemic in the region. Existing literature, policies and programmes relative to the social measures to mitigate poverty during the COVID-19 in South Africa and Zimbabwe were reviewed. The study highlighted the importance of preparedness of governments to respond to shocks in order to provide social protection to citizens. It further highlighted the need to adopt more sustainable strategies to help mitigate the effects of pandemics and the need to cushion citizens from the socio-economic effect of future pandemics.

Citation

Nyathi, L., Chinyakata, R. and Gwatimba, L. (2022), "Social Protection Responsive Measures to Mitigate Adverse Socioeconomic Effects of COVID-19 in Southern Africa", Osabuohien, E., Odularu, G., Ufua, D. and Osabohien, R. (Ed.) COVID-19 in the African Continent, Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 11-26. https://doi.org/10.1108/978-1-80117-686-620221003