Conceptualising vulnerability Towards a Research Agenda for the PPA Research and Analysis Working...
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Transcript of Conceptualising vulnerability Towards a Research Agenda for the PPA Research and Analysis Working...
Conceptualising vulnerability
Towards a Research Agenda for the PPA
Research and Analysis Working Group
4 February 2002
Outline of the presentation
The PRSP, the PPA and vulnerability
What the PRSP says about vulnerability
A conceptual framework for vulnerability
Pointers for the PPA process
The PRSP, the PPA and vulnerability - 1
PRSP highlights vulnerability as a ‘major concern’ But PRSP also recognises too little is known about
vulnerability More information is required on:
– The factors that make people vulnerable– The different manifestations of vulnerability and their
prevalence in different strata– Ways in which people act to contain or reduce vulnerability– The likely impact of the PRS on vulnerable population
groups– The most effective programmes that could be put in place to
contain or reduce vulnerability
The PRSP, the PPA and vulnerability - 2
PPA can provide important contributions towards the strengthening of the knowledge base on vulnerability
It can provide concrete policy recommendations, based on the views of the vulnerable themselves, on how vulnerability should be addressed by the PRS
However, conceptual clarity about vulnerability is crucial for a successful PPA
What the PRSP says about vulnerability - 1
Vulnerability is people’s susceptibility to become poor or poorer because of unpredictable events, or shocks
Floods, droughts and HIV/AIDS mentioned specifically
Vulnerable groups include AIDS victims, the elderly, the handicapped, orphaned children, refugees
Traditional systems to protect the vulnerable have eroded
Therefore, the need for safety nets has increased
What the PRSP says about vulnerability - 2
The assumption in the PRSP is that the strategy will lift substantial numbers of people out of poverty, but there are shocks which risk forcing people back into poverty or prevent them from climbing out of poverty.
If people’s vulnerability to shocks can be reduced, or if the effects of these shocks can be managed, the PRSP targets can be achieved.
PRSP interventions are aimed at reducing vulnerability (drought resistant crops, irrigation schemes) as well as direct support for people affected by shocks (food-for-work, employment schemes)
What the PRSP says about vulnerability - 3
But many questions remain to be answered: Is the reason that vulnerable people become poor(er)
always a ‘shock’? What about more gradual processes?
Are the events that impact negatively on the vulnerable always unpredictable and exogenous?
Is the best approach to vulnerability to target the most vulnerable with safety net programmes?
Is it true that traditional coping mechanisms are eroding?
A conceptual framework
We need a conceptual framework which:
a) Is compatible with the thinking in the PRSP
b) Allows us to seek answers to the questions raised above, and others…
Vulnerability
Vulnerability is the susceptibility of individuals, households or communities to become poor, or poorer as a result of events or processes that affect them
Vulnerability
Vulnerability is the susceptibility of individuals, households or communities to become poor, or poorer as a result of events or processes that affect them
Extent to which you are prone, at risk,
likely to be affected
Vulnerability
Vulnerability is the susceptibility of individuals, households or communities to become poor, or poorer as a result of events or processes that affect them
Vulnerability is an issue at different levels
Vulnerability
Vulnerability is the susceptibility of individuals, households or communities to become poor, or poorer as a result of events or processes that affect them
Non-poor sliding into poverty or poor
becoming poorer
Vulnerability
Vulnerability is the susceptibility of individuals, households or communities to become poor, or poorer as a result of events or processes that affect them
Not just ‘shocks’
Vulnerability and Poverty - 1
Vulnerability and Poverty are not synonyms
Vulnerability helps us understand the dynamics of poverty
Vulnerability and poverty are correlated As vulnerability is defined in relation to
poverty, the conceptual framework for the PPA also needs a definition of poverty
Vulnerability and Poverty - 2
Poor
Wealthy
High
vulnerabilityLow
vulnerability
Characteristics of vulnerability - 1
Some people are more vulnerable than others
Therefore some are more likely to feel the impact of a particular adverse event or process than others
The characteristics of vulnerable groups or individuals help us understand this
Characteristics of vulnerability - 2
Characteristics of vulnerability can be identified at individual, household or community level
They can be clustered into those related to:– The life cycle– Physical factors– Social factors– Economic factors– Cultural factors– Environmental factors
Characteristics of vulnerability - 3
Characteristics of vulnerability are cumulative
Characteristics of vulnerability are not static – people and groups become more vulnerable or less vulnerable over time
Characteristics of vulnerability - 3
Individual Household
Community
Area
Life cycle
Physical
Social
Cultural
Economic
Political
Environ-mental
Events and processes that trigger the impoverishment of the
vulnerable - 1 Sudden or gradual Predictable or unpredictable Can occur at different levels: individual, household,
community, etc Can be clustered into:
– Nature– Health– Life cycle– Social– Economic– Political– Environmental
Events and processes that trigger the impoverishment of the
vulnerable - 2Individual Household Community Area
Nature
Health
Life cycle
Social
Economic
Political
Environmental
Events and processes that trigger the impoverishment of the
vulnerable - 3
Poor
Wealthy
High
vulnerabilityLow
vulnerability
Mechanisms to contain or reduce vulnerability - 1
Exist at individual, household, community, district, national levels
Can be divided into:– Prevention/avoidance– Preparedness– Mitigation
Mechanisms to contain or reduce vulnerability - 2
Individual Household Community Area
Prevention and avoidance
Preparedness
Mitigation
Mechanisms to contain or reduce vulnerability - 3
Poor
Wealthy
High
vulnerabilityLow
vulnerability
preparedness
Prevention, avoidance
mitigation
Pointers for the PPA
Investigate: Poverty history of individuals, groups and
communities Events and processes which explain changes
in poverty Characteristics which explain why people were
affected differently Coping mechanisms in place and how they
have evolved over time Policy recommendations