Implementing Social Protection in Pastoralist Areas: How Local Distribution Structures Moderate PSNP Outcomes in Ethiopia
56 Pages Posted: 2 Feb 2012
Date Written: December 20, 2011
Abstract
Widespread poverty and vulnerability in pastoralist areas highlight the need to extend the provision of social protection to these populations. Using mixed methods we show that a program design predicated on experiences in agrarian areas, Ethiopia’s Productive Safety Nets Programme, does not readily transfer to pastoral areas because of the nature of distributional channels in these localities. We focus on three: practices of sharing within mutual support networks, the important role of informal authority structures in targeting and appeals decisions, and gendered dimensions of livelihoods and decision-making. We show how these have substantial implications for the design, delivery and outcomes of standard social protection programmes that aim to build the assets of chronically food insecure households.
Keywords: Africa, Ethiopia, pastoralists, social protection, targeting, women
JEL Classification: I38, O1
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation