Integration of social protection and climate change adaptation in Brazil

Abstract

Purpose

Social protection (SP) and climate change adaptation (CCA) are two subjects highly debated when discussing social vulnerabilities and food insecurity in rural areas of developing countries. Both fields address matters related to socioeconomic vulnerabilities and thus present opportunities for integration. However, many studies have stated the lack of interaction within the study areas. When dealing with CCA and SP in Brazil, the two offer an opportunity for integration since some SP programmes (such as food-based safety nets) can both affect adaptation and be impacted by expected changes in climate. Impacts from CC are projected to be extreme in the Brazilian semi-arid Northeast, a region where social programmes of assistance and aid are historically crucial during periods of drought. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to address the interaction of CCA and SP in a conceptual level on policies and programmes in Brazil.

Design/methodology/approach

A desk review of government documents (policies, plans, decrees) related to food security, food-based programmes and CC.

Findings

Based on the results the authors highlight the limited integration between CC and SP in Brazil and the potential for interaction in many of the programmes already in place.

Originality/value

The authors attribute findings to the segmented governmental structure and the weak interaction between sectors, and the only recent discussion of linkages between CC and poverty, development and food insecurity. Discussion on the challenges and benefits of this interaction are provided in a context of CC in Brazil, still not very debated in the academic literature.

Citation

S. Mesquita, P. and Bursztyn, M. (2016), "Integration of social protection and climate change adaptation in Brazil", British Food Journal, Vol. 118 No. 12, pp. 3030-3043. https://doi.org/10.1108/BFJ-02-2016-0082