The Impact of Rural Productive Safety Net Program on Household Resilience, Livelihood, and Its Implication to Policy Implementation
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Date
2024-03
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
This comprehensive study investigates the multifaceted impact of the Productive Safety Net Program (PSNP) on household resilience and livelihood in the Wolaita zone of Ethiopia, located in a region vulnerable to climate change and food insecurity. Employing a Resilience Index Measurement and Analysis (RIMA), the First Chapter reveals that non-PSNP households exhibit higher monthly per capita food expenditure, indicating better access to economic resources. Additionally, non-PSNP households score higher in resilience, emphasizing the need for proper targeting to leverage the potential positive spillover effects of such programs on food security and nutrition outcomes through interventions like asset-building, livelihood diversification, or social protection. The Second Chapter delves into the longer-term effects of PSNPs on livelihoods. Employing treatment effects models, the study assesses access to basic services, income, food expenditure, assets, adaptive capacity, and dietary diversity among 300 randomly selected respondents. Results indicate that while the PSNP shows no statistically significant impact on basic services and income, it significantly reduces food expenditure and assets. The mixed findings highlight the intricate nature of designing effective social protection programs to address the multifaceted dimensions of poverty. The Third Chapter explores the influence of institutional arrangements and policy considerations on the PSNP’s effectiveness. Employing qualitative methods, including desk reviews and key informant interviews, the study identifies challenges such as a lack of accountability and staff turnover at higher organizational levels. Recommendations include establishing robust accountability mechanisms, implementing regular assessments, and developing guidelines for documenting good practices. The research underscores the importance of structured systems for information dissemination to optimize social protection programs and contribute to more effective poverty reduction and food security outcomes in local communities.
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Keywords
resilience, productive safety net program, food security, Wolaita, Ethiopia