Evaluating the Impact of the Productive Safety Net Program on Rural Household Income: Evidence from Kedida Gamela Woreda, Ethiopia
Purpose: Ethiopian productive safety net program is one of the largest social protection programs in Africa, receiving significant attention from the Ethiopian government and from the giant donors. It has been under implementation for more than 14-years and till continue to undefined periods. Until the time of this study takes place the program passed four phases.The aim of this study is to evaluate the progress and make recommendations. Design/Methodology/Approach: In this study, improvement in the livelihood of rural households is assessed by examining the impact of household participation in the program. Household participation is expected to improve household annual income, smooth different households` consumption and increase the size of livestock holding (TLU), children schooling expense, which are used in this study as indicator of the outcome of the program. Therefore, this study is designed to assess the impact of PSNP on livelihood of rural household (households’ annual income, children schooling expense and size of livestock) in the study area. Findings: The findings from this research help to suggest for policy makers to understanding the role of PSNP and maximize its use by designing strategies of enhancing the productive safety net program. This means that the study helps to know the effect of provision of incentives to enhance physical and productive asset activities. Moreover, the findings of the study help as baseline documents of PSNP impact on particular activities for the future researchers. Practical Implications: The study serve as a bridge for other studies in the future on same and other related issue. It is also essential for community based organizations working in the study area and other areas with similar socioeconomic settings. Originality/Value: To the best of authors’ knowledge, only a few empirical studies have been done so far regarding to impact of PSNP in the Ethiopian context.