2002年-世界发展银行全球_Kingdom_of_Morocco___Social_Protection_Note_77页_6mb

Kingdom of Morocco Social Protection Note Summary

Core Content

This document, titled Kingdom of Morocco Social Protection Note (Report No. 22486-MOR), published by the World Bank on December 19, 2002, provides an analysis of social protection (SP) in Morocco, focusing on both rural and urban populations, as well as the role of NGOs and the private sector. It outlines the challenges faced by the social protection system and proposes a strategic framework to improve its effectiveness and coverage.

Main Viewpoints

• Social Protection Definition: The document expands the traditional understanding of social protection to include a broader range of mechanisms that help individuals manage social risks, such as health, education, labor market policies, and emergency relief.
• Poverty and Vulnerability: Poverty remains a significant issue, with about half of Morocco’s population considered poor or near poor. Social protection is crucial to address these risks and improve resilience.
• Government Programs: The government has implemented various programs, but they are often inefficient, insufficient, and skewed toward the better-off.
• Role of Partnerships: The need for collaboration with the private sector, NGOs, and international donors is emphasized to develop more effective and sustainable social protection systems.
• Key Challenges: The document highlights challenges such as unemployment, low wages, lack of access to health and education, and the need for more targeted and efficient interventions.

Key Information

I. Poverty, Macroeconomic Performance and Social Protection Programs

• Political Changes: The 1990s saw significant political changes in Morocco, including the first socialist-led coalition government and the reign of King Mohammed VI.
• Economic Challenges: Sluggish economic growth has led to rising unemployment and poverty. Public expenditures in social sectors are increasing but remain insufficient and inefficient.
• Social Protection Objectives: The goal is to provide a comprehensive diagnosis of existing SP programs and to prepare for further SP priorities and action plans.

II. Rural Development and Social Protection

• Rural Risks:
  • Climate: Drought and floods are major risks for rural populations, especially for small farmers with limited productive assets.
  • Health and Nutrition: Over 50% of rural populations lack access to basic health services. Malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies are common.
  • Infrastructure: Only 30% of the rural population has access to potable water and 20% to electricity. Many villages lack roads.
  • Social Exclusion: Vulnerable groups such as unwed mothers, street children, and the elderly face significant challenges in accessing SP programs.
• Programs:
  • Health: Rural health clinics are being built, but often under-staffed. Public health spending is low and skewed toward urban areas.
  • Education: Primary education spending has increased, but quality and relevance remain concerns. Non-formal education offers alternative solutions for rural and peri-urban children.
  • Drought Relief: Emergency drought relief and public works programs are essential for rural populations, but their efficiency and returns are under scrutiny.
  • Public Works (Promotion Nationale): This is the most targeted assistance program, with low administrative overheads and significant labor-intensive investments.

III. Urban Development and Social Protection

• Urban Risks:
  • Unemployment: High unemployment rates among first-time job seekers, graduates, and household heads.
  • Low Wages: Many urban poor are forced into informal sector jobs with low or no pay.
  • Education Gaps: Education levels are low, and training is often not aligned with job market needs.
  • Health Insurance: Only 15% of the population has formal health insurance, and social security covers just 23% of the workforce.
  • Housing: Urban poor face inadequate housing and limited access to basic services. Shanty towns and informal settlements are growing.
  • Social Exclusion: Marginalized groups such as street children and disabled individuals are at risk of being left behind.
• Programs:
  • Food Subsidies: These have tripled since 1990 but are more about price correction than direct consumer support.
  • Social Housing: Programs aim to relocate the poor, but sustainability is limited due to scarce public land and preferential allocation to civil servants.
  • Social Security: Pay-as-you-go pension schemes are underfunded, and coverage is limited to urban populations.

IV. Elements of an Effective Social Protection System

• Education Reforms:
  • Introduce flexibility in delivery mechanisms and prioritize primary education.
  • Review university quality and increase autonomy to better align with labor market needs.
  • Expand non-formal education and introduce scholarships for girls.
• Health Care:
  • Increase public spending on cost-effective health outreach in rural areas.
  • Promote partnerships between the Ministry of Health and NGOs to improve service delivery.
• Agriculture Policies:
  • Encourage drought-resistant crops and efficient water use.
  • Develop extension services for small landholders.
  • Improve ancillary services such as processing, marketing, and transport to increase value added.
• Transfers and Public Works:
  • Promote community-based approaches to use remittances and public works for local development.
  • Expand and diversify public works programs to include more activities such as girl dormitories, small irrigation systems, and sanitation.

Conclusion

The document emphasizes the need for a more integrated, flexible, and efficient social protection system in Morocco. It calls for better targeting, improved delivery mechanisms, and stronger partnerships between the government, private sector, and NGOs. The proposed strategy aims to reduce poverty, enhance resilience, and improve the quality of life for both rural and urban populations.