Abstract:
This study was conducted to analyze the “Practices, Challenges, and Opportunities of Urban
Safety Net Program in Addis Ababa, Akaki Kality Sub City”. Cross-sectional research design
and mixed approach are employed to gather data. Key informant interviews and household
survey questionnaires were employed to collect data. 78 household samples were drawn
randomly from the two woredas of the sub cities. Thematic and descriptive statistics are used
for analyzing the data. Though it is difficult to address the poor households from poverty and
food insecurity within a short period, urban safety net program has contributed to the
improvement of the income and food condition of the beneficiary households. Most of the
beneficiaries are still under poverty. Though the cash transfer is inadequate to meet the
income needed of households, the program has provided a stable and additional income
source for the households who are mostly engaged in jobs with low and varying earnings.
Moreover, the cash transfer has become more important for those households that have a few
or no income earning members. Likewise, the cash transfer has significant and positive effect
on the income-poverty status of the household. The other factors are associated were
household size, economically inactive members and income from other livelihoods. The cash
transfer has also improved the food security of households. It has contributed in increasing
the number of meals taken per day and the food access through purchasing. 43% of the
respondents are food insecure, mainly (22%) being moderately food insecure. The reason of
remaining in food insecurity for mist beneficiaries could be due to their short (one year)
duration in the program. Besides, the beneficiaries’ low and varying income earnings as well
as inflation have negatively affected the household’s food access and stability. UPSNP cash
transfer has positive and significant relationship with food access. Other variability like sex,
marital status, variation of income, household size and income earned from other means of
living have significant effect on food access. UPSNP has also involved in environmental
cleaning, urban greenery, watershed management and urban agriculture activities enhanced
the quality, safety and esthetic of the environment. The study recommends that the urban
Safety Net office should adjust the amount of cash transfer for the beneficiaries based on the
current living condition as well as improving the working condition of the public workers.
