Transforming futures with child-sensitive social safeguards

Genesis was contracted by Save the Children to complete five investment cases – in Malawi, Somalia, Somaliland, Uganda and Zambia – that examined the cost-effectiveness of investing in child-sensitive social protection (CSSP).

For each country, Genesis modelled the benefits and costs associated with scaling up a single CSSP programme. The selected programme and scale-up scenarios were selected based on the needs and priorities of individual countries.

The cost-benefit analysis found that investing in CSSP programmes produces significant benefits across education, healthcare and poverty reduction. These investments also generate significant monetary benefits. For example, every $1 invested in CSSP programmes in Uganda yields a return of $3.30.

The study also noted the potential losses associated with non-investment. By choosing not to invest, Malawi could forgo monetary benefits of up to $1.7 billion by 2050.

For each country, a fiscal space analysis was conducted to determine practical recommendations for introducing the scale-ups. This analysis modelled debt restructuring, Official Development Assistance and domestic resource mobilisation as potential ways for scaling up the CSSP programmes.

Genesis presented its research at a launch event in Nairobi in February 2024. This was attended by government officials and development partners.

Download the report: Investment Case for Child Sensitive Social Protection in East and Southern Africa