Why Should Countries Have Safety Nets

Safety nets can help achieve four objectives that are in turn part of larger poverty reduction and risk management goals. 

As shown in figure 2.1, safety nets fit into the wider array of policies involved in poverty reduction, social risk management, and social protection. Safety nets are part, but not the whole, of each, and poverty reduction and risk management strategies overlap substantially but not entirely. Safety nets are not the only or even the principal tool for achieving any of the ends they serve, yet they can make a s nificant contribution. When situations are dire, they can help save lives. When situations are less dire—and programs are especially good—they can save or help build livelihoods as well. 

FIGURE 2.1 Where Safety Nets Fit in Larger Development Policy 

Such as land redistribution, enforcement of contracts property rights, universal education, safety nets 

For example for small farmers, includes irrigation, miorofinance, weather insurance, safety nets 

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