The purpose of this scoping study is to identify and assess entry points for support to accelerate action on social protection in Southern Africa through DfID's Southern Africa regional programme.

This scoping assessment takes place as DfID-SA is beginning to develop its next regional assistance plan for Southern Africa (2011-2016) and against ongoing discussion about regional approaches and looking at regional cooperation and regional integration as a means to development. This assessment  will feed into these discussions and will contribute to understanding of the social dimensions of regional integration in Southern Africa.