This series of briefs was prepared by Stephen Devereux, Frank Ellis and Philip White, and provides a regional synthesis of findings of both the 12 thematic studies and the 20 individual case studies of social transfer schemes undertaken under the Regional Evidence Building Agenda (REBA). The themes explored in these briefs are the six addressed in the original REBA design: vulnerability, targeting, coordination and coverage, cost-effectiveness, markets, and asset protection and building. Each of these themes was covered by respective thematic studies in two of RHVP’s six priority countries, and was illustrated in each of the 20 case studies. Also included in the series are briefs on two additional themes that have emerged during the implementation of the REBA work as being of particular interest and policy relevance: delivery mechanisms and social pensions.

The Case Study Briefs and these Thematic Briefs comprise Volumes 1 and 2 of the REBA Briefs respectively. Volume 3, to be released shortly, covers the institutional and policy context for social transfers in the six countries. Together, these three volumes of briefs present, in concise and accessible form, a unique and wide-ranging set of policy-oriented findings on core hunger and vulnerability issues identified by the many stakeholders consulted during the REBA planning process.