Social Protection in Developing Countries : The Lesotho Old Age Pension

Abstract

Social protection in developing countries represents a new approach to reducing poverty. By targeting the poorest with a variety of measures, social protection can protect basic consumption, support productive investments and strengthen the agency of the poor.

The many varieties of social protection means that each country has to prioritize between different groups in implementation, in addition to overcoming other constraints. This thesis concentrates on pensions for the elderly, a group often overlooked in development policy. The need for social protection among older people is underlined, but also how it can support their contribution to society and have broader effects.

These ideas are considered in light of the old age pension scheme in Lesotho. Based on a fieldwork, the thesis explores how Lesotho overcame constraints to implementing social protection in a very low-income country, and discusses the consequences that can be identified among the recipients.