Impact of Productive Safety Net Program on Households’ Food Security: The Case of Zuway Dugda District Oromia National Regional State

Food insecurity is a major problem in developing countries and undermines people in various regions of the world. Productive Safety Net program is one of the largest social protection programs operating in Ethiopia. This study evaluates the impact of productive safety net program on households’ food security and asset building in Zuway Dugda District. The study employed random sampling to draw 2 rural kebles that are participating in the programme. Data was collected from 180 sampled households. The sample respondents were drawn from both program beneficiary and non-beneficiary households (90 each) randomly. The required data was generated from both primary and secondary sources. Primary data was collected from household heads through structured interview schedule that was administered by trained enumerators. Pre-tested and validated questionnaire was also used. Pilot testing was conducted with 30 non-sample respondents assumed to have homogeneous characteristics. The study employed Descriptive statistics and econometric model to analysis data. Results from Descriptive statistics indicate that program beneficiary households’ asset and calorie intake have increased. Applying a propensity score matching technique to estimate the econometric result; the study examined the independent effect of 12 variables and it was found out that 7 of them were important to characterize the participation. The study found that the program beneficiaries have more or less the same calorie intake to non-beneficiaries group. Concerning household asset the program beneficiary and non-beneficiary households have statistically significant difference after matching. The impact of the program on calorie intake and household asset on participating households create a great change regarding to food security. The program has promising impact on participants’ livelihood. It seems that the program establishes better future for participants and alleviates poverty. Hence, this has an encouraging message for program designers, implementers, and funding agents to take proper action to achieve the intended goals. Keywords: Productive Safety Net Program, Propensity Score Matching (PSM), Household Asse