1 The Platform Oct-Dec 2013 Edition No. 003 Mainstreaming SPIREWORK into CAADP In This Issue Mainstreaming SPIREWORK into CAADP-AU-APSP Engagement West Africa Peer Exchange and Learning Event Harare Communiqué Annual Delegates Conference Universal Health Coverage in Senegal Privacy of Personal Information in Social protection; How Much Do You Know? And more Dr. Tavengwa M. Nhongo- APSP Development agendas and priorities reflect the status and challenges faced by a particular state or government at a given period. On the whole, Africa s policy orientations reflect a need to address poverty while entrenching the fundamental principles of inclusion and participation in the development discourse.
2 The Africa Union s Social Protection Plan for the Informal Economy and Rural Workers (SPIREWORK) and the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programs (CAADP) represent two such continental policy orientations. Agriculture remains a mainstay of many African economies not only as an income generator for many rural households but also as a key factor in enhancing food security. Rural and Informal sector workers account for over 80% of all workers on the continent and are more often than not outside formal social security provisions, leaving them vulnerable to shocks and stresses that may arise and therefore more susceptible to poverty. The Africa Union (AU) and the Africa Platform for Social Protection (APSP) on October 22 nd and 23 rd, 2013 brought together participants from the Africa Union Commission (AUC) Departments of Social Affairs and Rural Economy, five (5) member states representing the five regions of the continent (Algeria, Cameroun, Cote d Ivoire, Kenya Malawi and Tanzania), representatives of farmers organisation and civil society, and representative of Regional Economic Communities (COMESA, ECCAS and ECOWAS) to deliberate over how to mainstream SPIREWORK into CAADP. CAADP which was envisioned as a development agenda for sustainable livelihoods and economic growth provides a clear and comprehensive policy orientation for development. By mainstreaming SPIREWORK, CAADP enhances participation and inclusion for vulnerable communities and especially for rural and informal sector workers, in a long-term development strategy. During the Meeting Dr. Tavengwa Nhongo, Executive Director of the APSP underscored the importance of ensuring that more people are covered by social protection provisions and made four key recommendations. The first was for the expansion of the formal sector to absorbs an increasing number of informal and
3 rural sector workers. The second is to realise the fact that while the informal and agricultural sector can diminish (if the formal sector grows), it really cannot be wished away. It has to be recognised as a sector that absorbs a large number of people and that generates large amounts of money. The third is the development of universal social protection programmes as these will ensure that the majority of people are covered. Examples can be borrowed from some programmes in other countries such as Brazil. Last but not least, is the provision of support to the many traditional and community based social protection schemes that are to be found across Africa. These schemes have served communities for centuries and while it is agreed that times have changed, the schemes can be adapted to suit the current socio economic environments. Group photo of participants during the meeting The meeting ended with a series of recommendations which included: Reference to initiatives addressing Social Protection at regional and national level in the mainstreaming document Integrate SPIREWORK throughout CAADP framework rather than limiting it to specific sections of the document Add to the mainstreaming principles the adoption of technologies that will facilitate the collection of contributions and payments to beneficiaries Ministries of labour to identify specific needs and integrate them in their country CAADP Plans for 2014 funding cycle Training on Social Protection needs to be done for Ministry of agriculture officials to facilitate the incorporation of social protection n agricultural programmes Develop sustainable funding mechanism and risk mitigation frameworks and strategies Development of evidence based work, with clear identification of target groups and kinds of social protection mix
4 benefits and measures; Develop a special roadmap for Governments to create conducive environment for private sector, NGOs, CSO to play their roles in social protection promotion in the rural sector; and take stock of what is ongoing in countries; Use piloting approach and phase with pilot countries and spread; Use the product special SPIREWORK initiative for branding purpose; AUC and partners to provide technical support to Member States to champion the programme; continue collaboration between AUC and APSP West Africa Peer Exchange and Learning Event held in Burkina Faso Dr. Cyriaque Pare, Economic and Finance Minister (centre) presides over the opening ceremony of West Africa Peer Exchange and Learning Event. This year s Peer Exchange and Learning Event for West Africa was held in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso on 27 th and 28 th November 2013. SPONG which is the National Platform for Social Protection in the country, went all out in the preparations of the regional event ensuring that the meeting was a great success. The regional meeting which brought together civil society organisations and
5 representatives of governments from the region saw deliberations centre on the theme Grassroots Participation in Social Protection. The meeting ended with the adoption of a resolution for the region giving it impetus as it moves along to the new year. Some of the key issues that came from the meeting included a need to diversify funding options for Social Protection moving towards self sustainability of projects and ownership of the same by both governments and their citizens. Secondly, the need for training on Social Protection for the region was identified and a key area of focus. Insufficient capacity and resource gaps came out strongly during discussions as key areas needing intervention not just by the APSP but by all relevant stakeholders. Lastly, structures for participation and inclusion need to be developed and entrenched in policy documents to ensure that vulnerable groups are included in development plans. Cross section of participants during the Learning & Exchange Visit follow deliberations Annual Delegates Conference Harare, Zimbabwe was the venue of the 2013 Annual Delegates conference under the theme Grassroots participation in Social Protection. The meeting which brought together delegates from twenty one (21) countries from National Platforms across the African continent also saw international development partners and international nongovernmental organisation join the deliberations over the state of Social Protection on the continent. The meeting culminated into the Harare Communiqué which summed up the spirit and drive of the delegates conference. See below for the Harare Communiqué;
6 Enhancing Grassroots Participation in Social Protection We, the representatives of twenty-one 1 (21) National Social Protection Platforms from across the continent of Africa and five 2 (5) African Governments and three 3 (3) address poverty and vulnerability on the continent; Cognisant of the fact that while countries in Africa are among the fastest growing economies in the world; poverty, food Delegates in Zimbabwe International Non-governmental Organisations (INGOs), convened in Harare, Zimbabwe, under the auspices of the Africa Platform for Social Protection (APSP), from 31st October to 1 st November 2013 to reflect and discuss on the theme Grassroots Participation in Social Protection. insecurity, man-made and natural disasters, the effects of HIV/AIDS and conflict, continue to increase the vulnerability of many individuals; Acknowledge that since the African Union (AU) Ouagadougou Summit of 2004, a number of African countries are implementing Social Protection initiatives, which are helping to 1 Burkina Faso, Cameroun, Republic of Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, the Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, Kingdom of Lesotho, Liberia, Malawi, Mozambique, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, South Sudan, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe 2 Liberia, Niger, South Sudan, Uganda and Zimbabwe 3 Concern Worldwide, HelpAge International and Privacy International Chairperson of the Zimbabwe Social Protection Platform; Amb. Simon Nhongo speaks during
7 Mr. Sergio Falange from the Mozambique Platform for Social Protection giving his views during one of the sessions Recognise the pivotal role of grassroots participation in the promotion and roll-out of Social Protection policies and programmes to alleviate poverty in Africa; already exist); c. Ensure the participation of all the citizens in shaping the debate on Social protection including, policies, programme implementation, monitoring and evaluation to increase transparency and accountability; d. Develop and implement universal Social Protection schemes, to ensure that vulnerable groups are covered; e. Ensure that Social Protection interventions are nationally owned and contextualised for relevance, ownership and sustainability where the grassroots are empowered to participate; f. Research and document evidence of what works and what does not work and share Submit that governments, Civil Society Organisations (CSO s), the private sector and other stakeholders are partners in enhancing grassroots participation and should work together to: a. Enhance awareness and knowledge to stimulate demand for Social Protection as part of the social contract; b. Advocate national Social Protection Policies and strategies (where they do not Ms. Caroline Kariuki (right), Ms. Mutale Wakunuma (Centre) and Mr. Thomas Ongolo (far right) during the meeting Hosts and Co-organisers for the Conference ZSPP represented by Ms. Priscilla Gavi of HelpAge Zimbabwe g. widely; h. Advocate increased national budget allocation and corporate social responsibility to ensure sustainability of comprehensive Social Protection systems; i. Ensure that grassroots participation in Social Protection explicitly includes the active participation of all vulnerable groups Harare, Zimbabwe, 1 st November, 2013
8 Privacy of Personal Information; How Much Do You Actually Know? As Social Protection programmes continue to grow across the continent through increased budgetary allocations and coverage, more information is collected during targeting and enrolment of beneficiaries. This growth has also sparked the need for innovation in the methods being applied in the identification of beneficiaries and the rollout of programmes. Innovation in this sense, has come about in the form of increased use of technology to ensure both accuracy and efficiency of programming. Unfortunately, many beneficiaries and potential beneficiaries remain susceptible to further vulnerability as they often do not have control over personal information that is collected. The debate on violations stems from the discourse of a lack of legislation against poor enforcement and application of existing municipal and international laws and best practices. The APSP with support from Privacy International, is undertaking a research into the existing practise of management of personal information in Social Protection programmes in Kenya. The research which is being carried out in collaboration with the Government of Kenya will focus on the Older Person s Cash Transfer Programme (OPCT). The research will be carried out in three counties namely: Kiambu, Machakos and Nairobi. On 24 th October 2013, the APSP organised for a Social protection Stakeholders Forum to review the process and give input going forward. The meeting which was graced by both representatives of the government of Kenya and civil society organisations, were instrumental in giving their views on the direction the research should take. Participants were particularly keen to map out the data collection, storage and access process. In addition to mapping out the process, concerns were raised about the authenticity of data collected and the degree of control exercised by beneficiaries or potential beneficiaries once they surrender the personal data. Issues of how information is handled was another key concern. What happens to information of people who do not get selected into a programme or perhaps even those that graduate? Government in particular was keen to note that the research could not come at a better time as they gear towards the National Safety Net Programme which will bring all the five (5) cash transfer programmes under one Management Information System (MIS). The research will form the basis for identifying best practices and loopholes within the pre-existing systems as well as lay the foundation for policy interventions. It is important to note that this is a learning exercise for both the APSP and the government of Kenya as it will generate much needed evidence on the intricacies of the management of personal information in Social Protection programmes as well as collaboration between government and CSOs.
9 Investing in Social Protection in Senegal President Macky Sall, is strongly committed to combating inequality in all its forms. After the launch of the National Programme for Universal Health Coverage and the start of free healthcare for children under five years, it was around the Family Safety Grants that the first cards were given to beneficiaries, yesterday at Taiba Ndiaye. This state policy is based on reducing inequalities. The esplanade of the headquarters of Taiba Ndiaye rural community is abuzz with diversity. It is packed with people of all walks of life. Girls and boys sing and dance in the hot weather. Some women come to receive from the hands of the head of state, Macky Sall, the "Carte Yaakaar." In this rural area, there is hope. The Head of State ensured that the official launch ceremony is held in a rural area. This is a strong indication of the persistence of social inequalities. Macky Sall made a reminder that the National Programme for Family Safety Grants is founded on the fight against exclusion. Since my accession to presidency, I am committed in the process of coming up with a policy for social protection and promotion of vulnerable groups," said the president. A flashback. During the three and a half years in power, the current head of the judiciary, who visited the farthest corners of the country, has a better grasp of the sufferings of his fellow citizens. A priority program "I know perfectly well the level of inequality in our society and if you notice, the first point of the programme " Yonu Yokuté " was to end social injustice and to create the conditions and the foundations of a genuine development based on balanced infrastructure as well as on the development of human resources said the head of state. He also outlined the regulatory and restoration of peace functions that these kinds of initiatives can generate. This is so especially with the poor who will be the main beneficiaries. The National Programme for Family Safety Grants has come at an appropriate time given that in our society solidarity is crumbling over time. "In this context of vulnerability, we need to reinvent national solidarity and back it up for sustained and inclusive growth. The program we are launching is a priority investment in the creation of a strong, prosperous and emerging programme ", commented Macky Sall while asking the Prime Minister Aminata Toure to ensure that the necessary resources are availed to the General Delegation for Social Protection and Solidarity for the implementation of this programme. "We must continue to work selflessly in the same spirit and make the first payments from October," said the President adding that: " Madam Prime Minister, I would like you to follow up on this priority initiative by giving the necessary support through provision of resources to the General Delegation for Social Protection, in collaboration with the ministries involved, with civil society and with technical and financial partners to begin with the general and important phase. The government is already thinking about sustainability and expansion of the Family Safety grants. The amount allocated to the program will be doubled in the 2014 fiscal year. "This program started with 5 billion CFA francs, which will benefit 50,000 families. Starting next year, in the 2014 budget, we have allocated 10 billion CFA francs to go to 100,000 families. My ambition is to reach 250,000 families, or about 2 million Senegalese by the year 2017, "reiterated the president.
10 The General Delegation for Social Protection and Solidarity has selected the recipients based on criteria of transparency and inclusiveness. The approach was welcomed by all. The justification and categorical targeting, says the secretary general Amadou Faye Mansour, takes into account the criteria of housing, sanitation, household wealth, among others, while community-based targeting is achieved through local sub-committees. "A computer application developed by government IT Agency with support from ANSD, has made it possible to determine through scoring a provisional list of beneficiaries which is submitted for validation to the local departmental and regional committees structured around regional territorial authority said the Secretary General, Amadou Faye Mansour. It is also clear from his speech that 90% of households were surveyed and the main beneficiaries will be paid no later than 31 October 2013. This initiative, which was implemented with efficiency and speed, will be done together with "Carte Yakar." An independent fund for universal social protection being pursued Reflections on the sustainability of these social programs are underway. The General Delegation for Social Protection and Solidarity is working on developing this tool. This initiative was discussed by the Head of State in his speech. " The establishment of the autonomous fund for universal social protection (Capsu) during the first quarter of 2014, will finance priority social programmes such as universal health coverage, Family Safety Grants and retirement benefits, said the President of the Republic. In Loving Memory of Elizabeth Mwende Wachira It is with a heavy heart we announce the passing of our colleague and friend, Elizabeth Mwende in the early hours of Sunday, 8 th December 2013. Mwende was the Administrative Assistant of the APSP and served in that role until her demise. Mwende as she was popularly referred to in the office, was ever jovial, always walking around wearing a smile on her face. You will remember the mild mannered Mwende busy communicating with National Platforms during workshops, and conferences, trying to ensure that all the logistics were handled in an orderly and timely fashion. Her relentless zeal In our hearts you will always be cherished and dedication ensured that meetings
11 The APSP team at the burial of the late Elizabeth Mwende together with her immediate family were successful. Mwende was laid to rest by, family and friends in Ol Kalou, Kenya on 17 th December 2013. The loss of Mwende is a big blow to the APSP family leaving a void and memories that will forever be cherished. We would like to thank partners from across the world and National Platforms from across the continent for their messages of encouragement during this trying time, messages were conveyed to family during the burial and they continue to strengthen the APSP as we move forward into the new year. May she rest in eternal peace. APSP Editor: Tavengwa Nhongo Robert Mwanyumba Contributors: Edmond Odaba Marion Ouma Email: info@africapsp.org Address: P.O. Box 54305 00200 Nairobi, Kenya Tel: +254 20 2699541 +254702550755 +254734550755 Website: www.africapsp.org Printed & Published by: APSP