Social safety nets in response to crisis: Lessons and guidelines from Asia and Latin America

This study analyses the role of social safety nets in coping with recent crises. It is based on experience in Asian countries (crisis in 1997-99) and in Latin America (crises in 1994-95 and 1997). The authors emphasise the need to set up social protection safety nets before crises. They could later be adapted to attenuate the effects of a crisis on the most vulnerable groups.

World Bank - February 2001