Supporting Poor Families in Hard Times
Turkey: Social Risk Mitigation Project, Conditional Cash Transfer Program

• Overview
• Results
• Counterparts
• Task Team
• Learn More

In 2000 and 2001, the Turkish economy was hit by two economic crises that increased poverty and unemployment. At particular risk were poor families who might cut back on their expenses by keeping children out of school or reducing doctor visits. This would have had long-term effects, even after the crisis ended.

In response, in late 2001, the Turkey Social Risk Mitigation Project (SRMP) was launched, supported by an IBRD loan of US$500 million. Its primary objective was to mitigate the impact of the economic crises on the poorest, and to improve their capacity to cope with similar risks in the future. The SRMP provided immediate support (food, heating and medical supplies) to the poorest households affected by the crisis; and also built up the capacity of state institutions providing basic social services and social assistance to the poor, implemented a social assistance system (Conditional Cash Transfers - CCT) targeted to the poorest 6 percent of children conditional on improved use of basic health and education services, and increased the income generating/employment opportunities and access to social services of the poor under the Local Initiatives component.

After 6 years of successful project implementation, the loan closed in March 2008. The project was managed by the General Directorate of Social Assistance and Solidarity (SYDGM). Thanks to the commitment of numerous stakeholders at all levels – the line Ministries of Education, Health and Labor, local authorities, teachers, students, parents and the community at large – the project still continues to ensure a more effective social assistance system in Turkey, an enhanced implementation capacity of the 931 local offices of the SYDGM.

"I was the 3rd child in a row out of 7 children in a family that did not care about educating their daughters. I left school after the 6th grade and never learned more about life outside my house. But I do want my children to get an education so that they are not left behind in society as I was. This is why I am grateful for the money I receive for the education of my children every month. I want them to continue going to school, even to university, if possible." —Münevver Savas

"The Conditional Cash Transfer component of the SRMP has been extremely successful in Turkey. Not only have around 2.6 million school children benefited from it, but it also had an extraordinary impact on poor women –the primary recipients of the financial assistance. All mothers enrolled in the program now have their own bank accounts, many of them for the first time in their lives." —Yadigar Gökalp, Director, Project Coordination Unit

• 2.63 million children of poor families continued attending school thanks to the Conditional Cash Transfer Program. Secondary enrollment rates have increased from 48.5 percent to 61.1 percent for boys and from 39.2 percent to 52.0 percent for girls.
• An expanded social safety-net targeting the poorest 6 percent of families in the country was introduced. With the net, positive behavioral changes were provided, such as keeping children in school and ensuring children receive adequate immunization coverage in a timely manner, basic health care, and nutrition.
• Capacity improved in the General Directorate of Social Assistance and Solidarity, its 931 affiliated Foundations (SYDV) in 81 provinces and the Social Services and Child Protection Organization (SHCEK).

• Social Solidarity Fund (SYDTF)
• Social Services and Child Protection Organization (SHCEK)
• State Institute of Statistics (TUIK)

• John Innes (ECSHD – TTL)
• Jeanine Braithwaite (HDNSP- Co-TTL)
• Maniza Naqvi (ECSHD – Local Initiatives)
• Elif Yukseker (ECSHD, Program assistant)
• Seda Aroymak (ECSPS – FMS)
• Salih Kalyoncu (ECSPS –PAS)

• Social Risk Mitigation Project (SRMP)