IMPLEMENTATION, CHALLENGES, AND BENEFITS OF URBAN PRODUCTIVE SAFETY NET PROGRAM IN HAWASSA CITY, SIDAMA NATIONAL REGIONAL STATE, ETHIOPIA

Abstract

This study examines the implementation, challenges, and benefits of the Urban Productive Safety Net Program (UPSNP) in Hawassa City, Sidama National Regional State, Ethiopia. The UPSNP, a social protection initiative, aims to alleviate urban poverty by providing cash transfers, skills training, and livelihood support to vulnerable households. The researcher used descriptive type of research design. Using a mixed research approach, the researcher collected data from 316 beneficiaries and 15 key informants through surveys and interviews, respectively. Furthermore, three focus group discussions were undertaken. The findings reveal that the UPSNP has improved food security and stabilized household incomes for many beneficiaries, with 69.9% receiving cash transfers primarily used for consumption. However, significant challenges persist, including delays in benefit disbursement, excluding eligible households, and inadequate training on resource utilization. Only 19% of beneficiaries reported receiving comprehensive training, while 48.7% received none, limiting the program's potential for long-term impact. Additionally, issues such as inconsistent support for female, weak community engagement, and insufficient graduation support hinder the program's effectiveness. Despite these challenges, the UPSNP has contributed to asset protection and reduced immediate economic shocks for 46.5% of respondents. The study highlights the need for reforms in targeting mechanisms, beneficiary participation, and post-program support to enhance the UPSNP'sA sustainability. Recommendations include strengthening community-based targeting, introducing structured exit strategies, and improving transparency in beneficiary selection