LAST WEEK Rwanda hosted an international forum on social protection which drew social security experts from across the world.  The aim of the conference was to find best ways to improve the livelihood of people living below the poverty line through social protection measures.  

Rwanda was the right place to hold the conference following a successful social protection programme introduced in 2008.

The Vision 2020 Umurenge Programme (VUP) has elevated hundreds of thousands of Rwandans out of abject poverty with some going on to become successful entrepreneurs.  

According to official statistics, VUP direct support increased to more than Rwf1 billion by the end of 2013, up from Rwf400 million in early 2009.

The programme started with 30 sectors across the country, supporting around 6,000 households, but coverage has since increased to 180 sectors with more than 40,000 households benefiting.

Beneficiaries have managed to save and meet other needs beyond basic needs like food. Many Rwandans under VUP have managed to save and have since joined Savings and Credit Cooperative Societies (Saccos).  

The beneficiaries include the elderly, those living with disabilities, children, female-headed households, vulnerable Genocide survivors, and the historically marginalised. Despite the challenges, VUP is one of the success stories in social protection strategies.

Many developing countries can learn from Rwanda’s experience.  

With concerted efforts by governments, the donor community and civil society, social protection can go a long way in stamping out poverty in emerging economies.

From Rwanda’s experience at least, we have learned that social protection is an effective tool in the fight against poverty.