A half-day high-level workshop on the Productive Safety Net Program (PSNP) and Economic Transformation was co-organized by the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) and the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) on October 13, 2025, at Skylight Hotel, Addis Ababa. The event brought together representatives from government institutions and development partners for an insightful and engaging discussion.
Dr. Girma Bekele from the Ministry of Agriculture officially opened the workshop, highlighting that drought remains a critical challenge in Ethiopia, requiring a global response. He emphasized that the PSNP plays a key role in promoting livelihood improvement, climate resilience, and sustainability—making it one of Ethiopia’s largest and most impactful flagship programs. Dr. Girma also acknowledged the long-standing collaboration with donors and partners, notably the World Bank, which has been the lead donor and co-implementer for over two decades.
The first session of the workshop reflected on lessons learned from the previous five PSNP phases and included the following presentations:
- PSNP Critical Review: Achievements, Lessons Learned, and Persistent Challenges – Alemayehu Seyoum Taffesse, DPhil (IFPRI)
- Evidence from Graduation Models Including Livelihood Transfers – Jessica Leight, PhD (IFPRI)
The second session looked ahead to the ongoing design of the sixth phase of PSNP, featuring presentations on forward-looking strategies and program innovations:
3. Lessons from Program Components in the New PSNP – Kalle Hirvonen, PhD (IFPRI)
4. Learning Opportunities for Evidence-Based Decision Making – Dan Gilligan, PhD (IFPRI)
5. Ethiopian Food Systems Transformation and Nutrition – Getachew Diriba, PhD (MoA)
Facilitated by W/ro Sintayehu from the MoA, participants actively shared insights and reflections throughout the workshop. The event concluded with closing remarks by Dr. Fisseha Zegeye of the MoA, who underscored the importance of setting new learning priorities as PSNP moves into its next phase.