Informal Social Protection Systems and Management of Covariate Risks: Insights from Southeast Nigeria

Authors

• Oko C. Enworo, DSI/NRF South African Research Chair in Social Policy, College of Graduate Studies, University of South Africa, Robert Sobukwe Building, 263 Nana Sita Street, Pretoria, 0002, Republic of South AfricaFollow

Keywords

Climate-responsive social protection, informal social protection, social assistance, social policy, welfare

Abstract

In the context of widespread poverty and limited formal social protection coverage, informal social protection systems remain the primary source of risk management for many Nigerians. Despite their significance, governments often overlook these systems, particularly due to assumptions that they are ineffective against covariate risks. Drawing on qualitative data—including interviews and focus groups—and using the Social Risk Management framework, this paper examines how informal social protection mechanisms in Southeast Nigeria mitigate the impact of flooding, a recurring covariate risk. The findings highlight the adaptive capacity of these systems and call for their formal recognition in Nigeria’s social protection policy, along with strategies to integrate them with formal mechanisms.

Recommended Citation

Enworo, Oko C. (2026) "Informal Social Protection Systems and Management of Covariate Risks: Insights from Southeast Nigeria," The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare: Vol. 53: Iss. 1, Article 3.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.15453/0191-5096.4824
Available at: https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/jssw/vol53/iss1/3