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  • Essay / Implementation of social protection programs with the aim of improving the standard of living of the population

    In the majority of African countries, governments implement social protection programs to improve the well-being of the population the population. However, international non-governmental organizations and development partners are helping governments reach significant numbers of people. Some of the common social programs in these countries involve meeting basic needs such as unconditional and conditional cash transfers, food aid and school feeding programs. Additionally, some governments have implemented programs that improve productivity and control commodity prices; however, some countries have elaborate social protection programs that target vulnerable groups, particularly young children and the elderly as well as HIV/AIDS patients. According to Niño-Zarazúa, Barrientos, Hickey, and Hulme (2012), some countries like Kenya have registered NGOs that operate financial and microfinance institutions that provide loans at affordable interest rates. Essentially, these financial services help members of these groups to start small businesses that would improve people's standard of living. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on 'Why violent video games should not be banned'? Get the original essay The Namibian government runs the Basic Income Subsidy pilot project which was launched in 2009 in Otjivero. The community project was launched to support the local community after a majority of farm workers were made redundant. Although commercial farmers who live near settlement projects believe these projects provide fertile ground for criminals. Residents say the project has improved quality of life. Essentially, before the program was put in place, many people were lacking housing because they had lost their jobs and had no other employment options. However, the establishment offers them a small piece of land to practice subsistence farming in order to meet their needs (Haarmann, nd). Additionally, program members share their experiences with other communities to encourage them to launch similar projects as they generate substantial profits. The government is expected to benefit from the positive effects of the program as it has achieved promising results despite opposition from nearby commercial farmers to the program. According to Omilola and Kaniki (2014), Namibian social programs are divided into three categories which are "a system of tax-financed social grants, a state-run contributory component and a privately managed pension system for people formally employed in the private sector” (p. 13). The government supports social benefits such as the Old Age Pension (OAP) for all Namibians aged over sixty-five. Along the same lines, the government supports physically disabled people over the age of sixteen. However, a public doctor must ensure that the person suffers from a temporary or permanent physical disability. In addition, the state administers family allowances which cover a maximum of three children per family. Such subsidies are essential because insufficient access to basic rights negatively impacts infant mortality rates. Namibia notably benefits from effective economic management policy and political stability which have helped the country combat unemployment and reduce poverty in the country. Even if the government spends indiscriminately insocial programs, these programs have not contributed to creating new employment opportunities. Leaders face challenges inherited from the apartheid system that led to extreme economic and social inequality. It is important to note that the country faces short- and long-term challenges given that it depends on a volatile ecosystem. In 2014, the country recorded gross domestic product (GDP) growth of 4.5%, lower than the 5.1% recorded in 2013. However, the economy grew faster than the expected 4.3%. Furthermore, foreign direct investment in the country's mining sector has contributed greatly to the country's economic growth. Namibia improved its fiscal stimulus and lowered interest rates, which attracted several FDI to promote household consumption, the construction industry and tradable services. In July 2015, the country's inflation rate fell to 3.3%, compared to 6.1% in June 2014. Nevertheless, unemployment in Namibia remains high, at levels of 28%, meaning that it has not changed since 1990, when the country gained independence. The country has programs to address the challenges many people face, such as basic education and health services. In addition, the government wants to improve water safety. Essentially, the constitution and leadership policies address issues of gender inequality. Leaders encourage equality in girls' education. For example, in 2012, more female students than male students were enrolled in the country's primary schools (Mokomane, 2013). Ideally, promoting gender equality in access to basic education aims to reduce poverty among women; leaders believe that women as such constitute the backbone of the country's economy; When more women are educated, the chances of more children going to school will improve. In the health sector, the government has reduced maternal deaths to about 130 per 100,000 births, or 81 deaths in 2013. At the same time, fertility rates stood at 52 per 1,000 adolescent girls in 2013. Women have enormous progress over time; therefore, 56% of women in the population were actively employed in 2013, compared to 65% of men in the same year (Devereux, 2013). Along the same lines, 49% of the female population was employed while 85% of men and women were in vulnerable employment. In addition, 27% of women are involved in the agricultural sector compared to 28% of men in the same sector (World Bank, 2015). Data shows that leaders uphold gender equality by providing equal opportunities in education, health care and employment to men and women. As such, women are not dependent on men as they can access employment opportunities to support their lifestyle. Although international labor organizations recognize that Namibia has a high unemployment rate of 28%, a majority of people work in the informal sector which is not considered an informal sector. job. As a result, these people are considered unemployed despite the fact that they earn income through informal employment. Namibia offers a wide range of informal employment opportunities for semi-skilled workers (Unicef.org, 2015). Most people in rural areas practice subsistence farming which ensures an adequate food supply and additional quantities to sell to meet household needs. Small-scale manufacturing, mining, construction, informal services such as.