Urban Food Insecurity in Ethiopia: A Review of Poverty Dynamics and the Role of Social Safety Nets

Authors

  • Mahamed Ibrahim Kadiye Somali Region Livestock and Agricultural Research Institute, Jigjiga, Ethiopia &cDepartment of Public Administration and Development Management, College of Business and Economics, Jigjiga University, Jigjiga, Ethiopia
  • Ahmed Isse Alin Somali Region Livestock and Agricultural Research Institute, Jigjiga, Ethiopia & Department of Public Administration and Development Management, College of Business and Economics, Jigjiga University, Jigjiga, Ethiopia

Keywords:

Poverty Dynamics; Public Works Programs; Safety Net Programs; Urban Food Insecurity

Abstract

The UPSNP is an Ethiopian Government initiative aimed at urban poverty. The program provides short-term transfer support for urban
households and offers services that improve community assets through the provision of labor-intensive public works. The paper presents empirical evidence and theoretical issues concerning the practices and challenges of safety net programs in the UPSNP of Jigjiga City, Somali Regional State. Rural safety net programs have been the focus of many studies but the absence of urban safety nets studies presents a gap. The assessment of literature identifies familiar patterns of recurring challenges, such as targeting errors, institutional weaknesses (including corruption), political interference, and limited resources. UPSNP shows it can help with food security, household asset protection and urban infrastructure upgrade despite these challenges. The primary purpose of this research is to fill the gap in research on UPSNP implementation by assessing UPSNP in urban areas. It is hoped that research findings can contribute to better understanding and better policy and program delivery.

Author Biographies

Mahamed Ibrahim Kadiye, Somali Region Livestock and Agricultural Research Institute, Jigjiga, Ethiopia &cDepartment of Public Administration and Development Management, College of Business and Economics, Jigjiga University, Jigjiga, Ethiopia

Somali Region Livestock and Agricultural Research Institute &Department of Public Administration and Development Management, College of Business and Economics.

Ahmed Isse Alin, Somali Region Livestock and Agricultural Research Institute, Jigjiga, Ethiopia & Department of Public Administration and Development Management, College of Business and Economics, Jigjiga University, Jigjiga, Ethiopia

Human Resource Management Directorate, Somali Region Livestock and Agricultural Research Institute, Jigjiga, Ethiopia & Department of Public Administration and Development Management, College of Business and Economics, Jigjiga University, Jigjiga, Ethiopia.

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Published

2025-07-31

How to Cite

Kadiye, M. I., & Alin, A. I. (2025). Urban Food Insecurity in Ethiopia: A Review of Poverty Dynamics and the Role of Social Safety Nets. East African Journal of Pastoralism, 6(1). Retrieved from https://eajp.et/index.php/jju/article/view/142

Issue

Vol. 6 No. 1 (2025): EAST AFRICAN JOURNAL OF PASTORALISM

Section

Articles