Challenges of Safety Net Program in Improving Households Food Security in East Meskan Woreda of Gurage Zone, Ethiopia

Abstract

The PSNP program in Ethiopia aims to improve food security and strengthen household resilience in food-insecure woredas. The program’s objectives include improving food security, protecting assets, and strengthening household and community resilience to shocks. The purpose of this study was to assess the challenges of Safety Net Program in improving house hold food security in East Meskan Woreda of Gurage Zone. The study employed a descriptive survey design and a cross-sectional survey to gather data on the challenges of the safety net program in improving household food security in East Meskan Woreda, Gurage Zone. Mixed approach was employed, allowing for a comprehensive understanding of the research problem. The qualitative approach was focused on individuals' perceptions opinions gathered through interviews, Focal Group discussion and document analysis while the quantitative approach quantified variables using descriptive statistics. The data were collected through questionnaires, interviews, and focal group discussions. Secondary sources of data included were annual plans, reports, books, articles, and published documents. The target population consisted of beneficiary households of Safety Net Programs, with 344 sample households being the unit of analysis. A simple random sampling technique was employed. The finding of the study indicated that perception of beneficiaries household towards safety net program, farm land and its size, the use of beneficiaries’ credit service, technical advice, follow-up, and support by the experts, Lack of active community participation, inadequacy of money transferred from the program, less access to modern agricultural technologies and inputs, inadequacy of extension services, lack of coordination among concerned sectors, and Frequent drought and floods were significant challenge of safety net program in improving house hold food security in East Meskan Woreda of Gurage Zone. Finally, following the findings of the study, it was recommended that human development activities should be considered, diversified livelihood strategies, and ensuring food security through hard work and commitment should be executed by the beneficiaries. The program's payments should be revised and integrated into development plans, and the use of modern agricultural technologies and inputs should be improved.