This project addresses the integration of climate change risks into social protection approaches, focusing on the case of Jordan. Climate change disproportionately affects vulnerable groups compromising human and livelihood security through intersecting and compounding risks that remain poorly understood. Whilst social protection policies and mechanisms are designed to safeguard the most vulnerable, the impact of climate change and social vulnerability and therefore potentially changed needs for social protection remain under-explored. Social protection mechanisms, particularly in the MENA region, fail to systematically address climate change as a risk factor for social welfare and security. The research project sought to answer the following research questions: How do social vulnerability and climate change impact livelihoods and social cohesion at the local level in Jordan? What social and climate protection measures do local communities need to build resilience? What role do climate change and social vulnerability play in Jordanian social protection mechanisms and where are the gaps? Finally, how can research findings be translated into social protection policies that integrate climate change and protect citizens against its complex, compounding risks?
DOI: 10.48352/uobxmenasp.0020
Authors: Amel Azab (Arab Water Council), Martina Jaskolski(International Centre for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) and Arab Water Council), Amani Alassaf (University of Jordan) and Ayat Nashwan (University of Sharjah and Yarmouk University)
This project is supported by the Middle East and North Africa Social Policy Network (MENASP) at the University of Birmingham, in the framework of its ‘strengthening social welfare and security in the MENA region’ research programme, funded by the UK Arts and Humanities Research Council’s Global Challenges Research Fund.
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the authors. They do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of the Middle East and North Africa Social Policy (MENASP) Network or the University of Birmingham.