Social Protection in Ecuador: A New Vision for Inclusive Growth

Abstract

Like many new Latin American governments, Ecuador is revamping social spending and developing a specific strategy to enhance social protection and alleviate poverty. The country has already made and continues to make important strides in the implementation of inclusive social policies to combat inequality while supporting productive employment opportunities. Notably, the country’s Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) programme, the Human Development Grant (Bono de Desarrollo Humano, BDH), has been highlighted as an innovation in effective targeting and substantial coverage. Since the election of Rafael Correa as President in 2006, recent changes have ushered in new development strategies and the adoption of a national development plan (Buen Vivir in Spanish; Sumak Kawsay in Quichua) for four years (2009–2013). Likewise, the new constitution drafted in 2008 by the Constitutional Assembly passed with over 80 per cent of the popular vote and created a new constitutional foundation for the expansion of innovative social protection policies and a fundamentally new approach for more inclusive economic growth. (...)