This policy note presents strong evidence of the impacts of early childhood exposure to shocks on later life human capital outcomes in lower-middle-income countries, particularly in the Sahel region. It recommends key, evidence-based social protection interventions to mitigate these impacts and protect human capital as follows : cash transfers to improve child nutritional outcomes, particularly when combined with behavior change communication on water, sanitation and hygiene and hygiene practices
conditional cash transfers to increase educational outcomes, especially when monitored and reinforced
contributory schemes to mitigate the impact of shocks on asset loss and household expenditure, particularly health, livestock, and climate insurance schemes
food distribution interventions to mitigate the impact of shocks on nutritional and educational outcomes, particularly for children under-five, which is a critical period for growth and development
behavioral interventions to positively influence health and educational behavior and spending, especially nutrition education, academic nudges, and maternal psychotherapy interventions
and the success of these interventions requires context- and population-appropriate program design and implementation to maximize their effects on protecting human capital.