Integration of Human Rights-Based Approach and Food Security Governance into Urban Productive Safety Net Program in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Ethiopia
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Date
2025-09-01
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
This study investigates the integration of human rights-based approach and good food security governance frameworks within Ethiopia's food security interventions, specifically through the Urban Productive Safety Net Program (UPSNP). Additionally, it explores the perspectives of participating communities regarding the knowledge they have about the right to food. Philosophically, the research is grounded in social interpretivism and constructivism due to the subjective nature of participants' experiences and the co-construction of knowledge. The study employed systematic literature review, exploratory, descriptive and case study research designs and purely employed qualitative data collection methods including document reviews, Key Informant Interviews (KIIs), Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), and observations. Data analysis was conducted using the thematic analysis with the support of MAXQDA2020 software which enhanced the objectivity of the research result. The study revealed gaps in the integration of HRBA principles within the UPSNP implementation. This gap is manifested by the absence of participation, accountability, and rule of law in the UPSNP program implementation manual. Operational challenges are also witnessed such as biased targeting, exclusion of vulnerable groups, and weak institutional linkage. Despite the positive outcomes, including increased income and consumption among beneficiaries, the UPSNP lacked full- fledged alignment with the human rights and governance standards because participation, accountability, and rule of law are overlook from the UPSNP manual. Community perceptions regarding the formal knowledge of food right is found to be very limited. The participants disclosed that they have been receiving a desirable treatment from the program coordinators but societal perceptions often undermine their dignity as the society used to call them “the poorest of the poor," which perpetuates stigma and diminishes respect for their contributions to environmental cleanliness and community health. Participants advocate for a shift in societal attitudes, emphasizing the need for language change and perceptions that recognize the worth and dignity of all work activities. Ultimately, the study underscores the importance of community awareness and attitude change to foster respect and support for beneficiaries, which is essential for enhancing food security and social cohesion. Moreover, the study recommends strengthening the integration of human rights and governance principles into the program's manual and operational framework, specifically addressing the overlooked principles of participation, accountability, and rule of law in the UPSNP implementation manual.
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Keywords
Food Security, Governance, Integration, Lideta Sub City, Right to Food, and Safety Net