Harmonization of similar instruments

Abstract

Addressing fragmentation between social transfer schemes is a central challenge in social protection programming. This chapter argues that harmonizing within sets of existing transfer programmes is important for achieving efficiency and equity in social protection and, by extension, ensuring that social protection reaches and meets the needs of the poor and vulnerable. Key dimensions of fragmentation are explored including small programme proliferation, uneven coverage and gaps, exclusion, inconsistency, replication and capacity constraints. Examples of successful harmonization efforts are then identified.