A framework to assess the role of social cash transfers in building adaptive capacity for climate resilience

Figures & data

Figure 1. Flowchart showing the main steps followed in this research.

Table 1. The adaptive capacity outcomes framework (ACOF).

Adaptive Capacity Actions and behaviours that SCTs can contribute to:	Adaptive Capacity Outcomes achieved:	Vulnerability dimensions addressed:
Improving public health centres, access to health plans and schemes; access to education and training centres and education schemes	(1.1) Improved access to basic services	(1) Social
Improving awareness of climate risks and implications on their environment; awareness of health risks and access to warning systems; awareness of coping mechanisms and strategies and schemes available including support from the kin, community, and the state	(1.2) Improved knowledge and support networks
Adjusted planting, tree selection diversification, use of runoff water for watering trees, social forestry, agroforestry	(2.1) Improved natural resource base	(2) Ecological
Increasing crop diversity, seed fairs, seed safety and sovereignty; integrated crop, livestock farming systems; short-cycled crop varieties, adjusted planting timings	(2.2) Improved agricultural output and/or reduced agricultural losses
Improving access to insurance and credit: weather-based crop insurance, flood and drought insurance, homeowner insurance for cyclones or losses from climatic events, access to micro-credits, creation of savings groups	(3.1) Availability of credit and insurance services	(3) Economic
Skill training on finance, alternative occupations, social skills, nutrition; agricultural guidance; asset transfers	(3.2) Improved and/or diversified incomes and livelihoods
Increasing potable water sources, building and maintenance of irrigation and water retention structures; drainage and sewerage channels; pumps, screws, and lock systems; automatic irrigation and control of water leaks, pond/canal excavation, retention of rainwater and moisture conservation, desilting	(4.1) Improved water consumption practices, water infrastructure and better water management systems	(4) Physical
Flood-proofing of houses, building dikes, sheet pile walls for flood defence, light colours in houses to reduce impact of heat waves, adapting health infrastructure	(4.2) Developed climate resilient habitats
Early warning systems, extending information and service access points and networks, use of mobiles, radios and multilanguage alerts, developing heat-health warning systems	(5.1) Improved Weather Forecasting and information services	(5) Institutional

Table 2. Summary table showing actions/behaviours taken under SCT programmes that achieve the adaptive capacity outcomes from ACOF

Programmes evaluated	Vulnerability dimensions
	(1) Social	(2) Ecological	(3) Economic	(4) Physical	(5) Institutional
Program Keluarga Harapan (PKH), Indonesia		Action/behaviour: multi-cropping strategies adopted → Adaptive Capacity outcome (2.2): improved agricultural output and/or reduced agricultural losses	Action/behaviour: small businesses, farms and micro credit ventures set up for female entrepreneurs Improved → Adaptive capacity outcomes (3.1, 3.2): improved access to credit and livelihoods diversified
Productive Social Safety Net (PSSN), Tanzania		Action/behaviour: soil and water conservation projects undertaken → Adaptive capacity outcome (2.1): reduced land degradation and better managed water resources leading to improved natural resource base	Action/behaviour: purchase of productive assets like chickens, goats, and other livestock; elderly landowners hired workers to cultivate their lands → Adaptive capacity outcome (3.2): improved, diversified incomes and livelihoods
SCTs in Bangladesh		Action/behaviour: increased investment in purchasing agricultural assets → Adaptive capacity outcome (2.2): improved agricultural output, reduced agricultural losses	Action/behaviour: more labour allocation to non-farm activities; increasing access to credits and investments in agricultural assets → Adaptive capacity outcomes (3.1) & (3.2): availability of credit and diversified incomes and livelihoods
Child Grant cash transfer program (CGP), Zambia		Action/behaviour: increasing investments in agricultural seeds, tools, and livestock → Adaptive capacity outcome (2.2): improved agricultural output, reduced agricultural losses	Action/behaviour: non-farm enterprises set up (home brewery, fish selling and small trade), many owned by women; fewer loans taken → Adaptive capacity outcome (3.2): diversified incomes, increased savings	Action: investing in improving housing quality (better flooring/roofing and construction of toilets) → Adaptive capacity outcome (4.2): climate resilient habitats developed
Productive Safety Net Programme (PSNP), Ethiopia	Action/behaviour: road construction and infrastructure development → Adaptive capacity outcome (1.1): increased connectivity and access to basic services and market	Action/behaviour: soil and water conservation projects undertaken, along with tree planting exercises → Adaptive capacity outcomes (2.1) & (2.2): improved soil quality, water availability, natural vegetation cover, leading to higher agricultural output and improved natural resource base	Action/behaviour: engagement in farm and non-farm activities and purchase of productive assets with improved access to credit and agricultural extension services → Adaptive capacity outcomes (3.1) & (3.2): improved access to credit, livelihoods diversified, increased incomes	Action/behaviour: construction of water conservation infrastructure → Adaptive capacity outcome (4.1): improved water conservation infrastructure and management practices	Action/behaviour: weather information and early warning systems used to provide cash in advance → Adaptive capacity outcome (5.1): improved weather forecasting and information services providing reliable information to help prepare before shocks

Figure 2. Graphical representation of the adaptive capacity outcomes framework (Source: Author’s own).

Data availability statement

Data available within the article or its supplementary materials