How social capital can inform targeting formal social safety net interventions in vulnerable communities in eastern Ethiopia: an ethnographic case study

Abstract

Safety nets in Ethiopia are targeted and delivered in a context in which informal social capital practices also operate. But the role of social relations is largely overlooked in welfare programming. Understanding how social capital is mobilized and under which condition it enhances or constrains social safety net targeting may inform policy to design sustainable and inclusive welfare programs to improve household resilience. Using an ethnographic case study design, we studied the role of social capital in the implementation of a welfare intervention. Data were collected through observations and interviews with 30 households. Besides, data on household social network characteristics were collected using semi-structured interviews. The result suggested that greater access to social capital by a household enhances the efficiency of safety net targeting and delivery. Positioning the social transfer instruments within the broader sets of community social arrangements can optimize the allocation of scarce safety net resources and improves community relationships.

Strengthening Reintegration through Social Capital: Learning from Aceh, Indonesia

“…This reality supports the theoretical view that social capital is an essential tool for postconflict reintegration and social normalization (Bowd, 2008;Darmenova, Yuliya and Koo, 2021;Endris et al, 2020;Kaplan & Nussio, 2018;Kilroy & S. A. Basini, 2018;Leff, 2008;López et al, 2015). Emotional connections and social capital that form attachments have a significant impact on reintegration (Mpanje et al, 2018;Sánchez-Arrieta et al, 2021;Wheatley & Buglass, 2019).…”

“…This study employs a social capital framework to analyze the issue. Social capital is rooted in norms, networking, and trusting relationships (Coleman, 1999;Endris et al, 2020;Hemminger, 2019;Putnam, 1994). Trust and community collaboration are pivotal elements in the reintegration of former combatants, as they contribute to the formation of social cohesion (Bowd, 2008).…”

Changing families and its effect on the health of family members in Kerala: A qualitative exploration

“…A productive safety net program is a similar experience reported in Ethiopia. 28 In the event of joint family disintegration and weakening of family ties such new models of neighbourhood support can be tried. Studies already noted the purpose of safety net as to prevent catastrophic spending.…”

The role of local indigenous institutions in enhancing social capital for adoption of agricultural innovations: A special emphasis in Ethiopia

“…Bridging and linking social capital with in these informal institutions facilitates information exchange and resource flow, saves transaction costs, and motivates product innovation [8]. It reduces the risk of opportunism and maintains smooth cooperation [89].…”