BASIC Research Policy Briefing 9 - Published on 11 September 2025
BASIC Research in Borno, Nigeria, demonstrates that the provision of social assistance can help build the capacity to escape poverty, even in crises. Studies show that social assistance improves poor people’s consumption levels, human capital formation and economic growth from below. Nigeria has the foundational pieces of social assistance in place (draft policy, programme, social registry) and could expand social assistance coverage rapidly to poor and vulnerable populations affected by polycrises. However, there is a lack of trust in social assistance and in government. Commitment to carrying out regular impact evaluations would improve this evidence base.
Cite this publication
Shepherd, A. et al. (2025) 'Social Assistance and Poverty Reduction Amidst Multiple Crises', BASIC Research Policy Briefing 9, Brighton: Institute of Development Studies, DOI: 10.19088/BASIC.2025.017