First, existing safety net mechanisms are often inadequate. Their coverage can be limited and they may not be able to help everyone who needs assistance during a crisis. In addition, the poor are either unaware of the programs or lack the ability to get the help they need. Second, it is very difficult to set up effective safety nets during a crisis. Governments are often unprepared, ill informed, and slow to take action.
Financial resources are scarce, and human resources stretched.
Building up the infrastructure and the capacity to manage a program takes a long time. Without an adequate safety net in place before a crisis hits, the poor are likely to be hurt disproportionately. Accordingly, setting up safety nets in good times may be the only effective way to protect the poor during crises. Recent experience suggests that we re-examine the distinction between 'relief' programs and regular 'development' programs. Instead, an effective safety net for the poor should be seen as a long-term investment in development.