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