Political Economy Analysis of Ethiopia’s Productive Safety Net Programme

The Policy Practice (TPP) is conducting a Political Economy Analysis (PEA) of Ethiopia’s Productive Safety Net Programme (PSNP). The study will support donors in designing a politically realistic and technically effective sixth phase of the programme.

PSNP is one of Africa’s largest social protection initiatives, addressing chronic and acute food insecurity. As Ethiopia faces the legacies of conflict, evolving political settlements, and significant financing pressures, the PEA will examine how these dynamics shape the programme’s sustainability and impact.

The work is led by TPP Principal Niki Palmer, supported by Ethiopian Senior Researcher Berhanu Lakew Guadie, combining international expertise with national insight. The methodology includes desk research, media analysis, and over 50 interviews with government officials, civil society, donors and technical experts at federal, regional and community levels. Fieldwork in Addis Ababa and selected regions will provide grounded perspectives on the political, economic and social drivers affecting PSNP.

The analysis will highlight constraints and opportunities, propose pathways of change, and help ensure PSNP’s next phase is politically grounded, practical, and delivers lasting support to Ethiopia’s most vulnerable households.

The study was commissioned by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) through the Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD).Politics and Governance Centre of Expertise. TPP has a framework contract with the Centre of Expertise to deliver PEAs for FCDO.