Ethiopia’s Productive Safety Net Program (PSNP)

Fall 2012 GIS Final Project Jessica Chapman

Research Question: At a regional level, what is the relationship between the type of PSNP transfers (Cash, Food, Cash & Food) received and the type agriculture production of that area?

Resources: 1. Ethiopia’s Central Statistical Agency (2010) Report on Area & Production of Crops. 2. Final Report on Ethiopia’s Productive Safety Net Program Produced by the Institute of Development Studies and Indak International.

Methodology: 1. Crop yields are represented in this study by two crop types, high yielding and input intensive crops (Grains and Oilseed crops) , and crops often grown by subsistence farmers (Vegetables and Root Crops). 2. In 2006 there were 8 million beneficiaries of the PSNP program. This study uses percentages derived from a study that collected data from 1,000 beneficiaries across 4 regions, with an equal number in each region.

1 1

2 2

Photo by A. Davey (2007)

Main Findings & Analysis

1. Regional food insecurity corresponds with the density of agriculture in that area.

2. Based on crop production yields, for which grain is the highest, an assumption can be made that agriculture density represents, to a large extent, grain production.

3. This leads to the conclusion that agriculture areas that are used for growing grain could be contributing to food insecurity.

4. Tigray, the only region to receive a majority of Cash Only Transfers, is the only region with balanced crop yields (similar yields of vegetables, grains, root crops and oilseed). Based on the assumption that Cash Transfers are used for agriculture inputs, determining what crops in Tigray are being invested in, it would be possible to determine whether or not Ethiopia’s PSNP is relying heavily on growth through grain. Which , if it is, this study shows could have a negative impact on food insecurity in the country.