Advancing Crisis-Resilient Social Protection Through a Hybrid Social Protection Scheme in Pakistan

Advancing Crisis-Resilient Social Protection through a Hybrid Social Protection Scheme in Pakistan: An Empirical Analysis

Abstract

This paper explores the implementation of a hybrid social protection scheme in Pakistan aimed at enhancing crisis-resilient social protection. The study uses empirical data to evaluate the effectiveness of various interventions, focusing on savings, digital literacy, financial inclusion, and borrowing behaviors.

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Contents

1. Introduction
2. Literature Review
3. Objectives and Design of the Savings Scheme
4. Sampling Framework, Data Collection, and Methodology
5. Quantitative Analysis
6. Empirical Estimations and Methodology
7. Results and Discussions
8. Qualitative Analysis
9. Conclusion
10. Annex: Empirical Analysis
11. References

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Figures

• Figure 5.1: Reading and Writing Skills
• Figure 5.2: Mathematical Skills
• Figure 5.3: Cell Phone Ownership
• Figure 5.4: Access to Cell Phone
• Figure 5.5: Reasons for Not Owning a Cell Phone
• Figure 5.6: Bank Account Ownership
• Figure 5.7: Mobile Money Account Ownership
• Figure 5.8: Global Findex Pakistan—Financial Inclusion
• Figure 5.9: Global Findex Pakistan—Mobile Money Account Ownership
• Figure 5.10: Money Transfer Method
• Figure 5.11: Ease of Transaction
• Figure 5.12: Global Findex Pakistan—Savings
• Figure 5.13: Do You Save Money?
• Figure 5.14: Frequency of Saving
• Figure 5.15: Average Monthly Amount of Saving
• Figure 5.16: If Saving, Who Do You Trust with Your Money?
• Figure 5.17: Source of Loan
• Figure 5.18: Global Findex Pakistan—Borrowing
• Figure 5.19: Primary Decision-Maker Regarding Savings
• Figure 5.20: Influence of Male Family Members on Savings
• Figure 5.21: Willingness to Save under Contributory Saving Design
• Figure 5.22: Saving Incentives
• Figure 5.23: Preferred Frequency of Saving
• Figure 5.24: Daily Saving Willingness
• Figure 5.25: Monthly Saving Willingness
• Figure 5.26: Willingness to Save in Mobile Money Accounts
• Figure 5.27: Saving Retention

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Tables

• Table 1: Sample Selection Framework
• Table 2: Impact of the Saving Index, Borrowing Behavior, Digital Literacy and Inclusion, Financial Literacy, and the Money Transfer Mode

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Key Findings

1. Digital Literacy and Inclusion: High percentages of respondents own cell phones and mobile money accounts, indicating improved digital inclusion.
2. Financial Literacy: There is a significant gap in financial literacy, particularly among women and rural populations.
3. Savings Patterns: While many respondents save regularly, trust in financial institutions remains low, affecting retention rates.
4. Incentives and Motivations: Savings incentives and frequent saving options increase willingness to save.
5. Gender and Age Differences: Women and younger individuals are less likely to save and have lower financial literacy compared to men and older adults.

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Conclusion

The hybrid social protection scheme shows promise in enhancing crisis-resilient social protection in Pakistan. However, targeted interventions are needed to improve financial literacy, increase trust in financial institutions, and address gender and age disparities in savings behavior. Further research and policy adjustments are recommended to optimize the scheme's effectiveness.