Mumtaz, ZahidEnworo, Oko ChimaMokomane, Zitha2025-05-222025-05-222025Mumtaz, Z., Enworo, O. C., & Mokomane, Z. (2025). A Case for the Inclusion of Informal Social Protection in Social Policy Theory and Practice—Lessons From Nigeria and Pakistan. Journal of Asian and African Studies, 0(0). https://doi.org/10.1177/00219096241249975.10.1177/00219096241249975http://hdl.handle.net/2263/102467This paper argues for the integration of informal social protection into social policy theory and practice through a comparative analysis of informal mechanisms in Pakistan and Nigeria. In developing countries, especially in Asia and Africa, where formal social protection coverage is limited, informal social protection plays a crucial role in addressing gaps in the welfare system. The findings not only contribute to a comprehensive understanding of welfare systems but also support for the cohesive integration of formal and informal social protection, providing evidence for policy improvements in developing and less developed countries.en© The Author(s) 2024. This article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) .Informal social protectionNigeriaPakistanSouth–south learningIdiosyncraticCovariateArticle