The Network of Expert Resources in Delivery Systems (NERDS)

Social protection programmes are increasingly being developed to reduce poverty throughout Africa. A key component of such programmes is social transfers to beneficiaries, which can take different forms including cash, vouchers, agricultural inputs, medicines, school fee waivers and food. Ensuring effective delivery of social transfers to beneficiaries in often remote and inaccessible areas can be problematic. Social transfers have typically been delivered through government departments and NGOs, often in conjunction with payment outlets such as post offices. But such delivery systems are prone to problems, such as cash-in-transit heists and corruption. Identifying more effective delivery mechanisms is thus imperative to reduce leakages and improve the effectiveness of both cash and other forms of transfers within social protection programmes. The Network of Expert Resources in Delivery Systems (NERDS) has been established to include individuals and organisations interested in promoting innovative solutions to the delivery of social transfers in Africa. This website is intended to act as a platform for information sharing, disseminating best practice, and linking potential private sector partners.

• NERDS members
• NERDS resources