Linking the Vulnerable to Markets

PrintPrintE-mail E-mail

USAID’s investments in this area will unite humanitarian assistance investments like the Productive Safety Net Program (PSNP) and the robust agricultural economy envisioned in the Government of Ethiopia’s Agricultural Growth Program’s programming. In order for vulnerable households to benefit from and participate in economic growth opportunities, they must possess the capacity in terms of assets, skills, risk tolerance, and access to both markets and information. USAID supports the development of sustainable livelihoods among chronically food insecure households in targeted woredas to promote their graduation from PSNP. Additionally, USAID works to create economic linkages between chronically food insecure regions of Ethiopia (Hungry and Pastoral Ethiopia) and Productive Ethiopia, such as joint marketing efforts and trade between regions.

Projects include: a women's saving group celebrates by dancing and holding the safe box aloft

  • Livelihoods Integration Unit: Enhancing Livelihoods Application Project (LIU-ELA): Contribute to increased growth with resiliency in Ethiopia by promoting practical applications of livelihoods information and providing inputs to the decision-making process both on the emergency response and development planning sides. Operates within the Disaster Risk Management Food Security Sector (DRMFSS) of the Ethiopian Ministry of Agriculture.
  • PSNP GRAD: Assist poor, rural households in the creation of assets that enhance their livelihoods potential, emphasizing market linkages, access to microfinance, and diversification of household income sources. See also: PSNP: Respond to food-gap of Ethiopia's chronically food insecure households and develop long-term solutions to household food insecurity.
  • Pastoral Livelihoods Initiative – Phase II: Improve the livelihoods of pastoralists and ex-pastoralists in the lowlands of Ethiopia through financial and systemic change, as well as assisting pastoralists in building resiliency to cope with decreased rainfall and climate change.
    • Policy and Coordination – Phase II: Conduct impact assessments to develop and implement coordination models with regional governments, Emergency Livestock Guidelines, and other activities to inform government policy and facilitate coordination between pastoralists and regional/federal authorities to achieve successful and sustainable programming.
  • Pastoralist Areas Resilience Improvement and Market Expansion (PRIME): Target pastoral areas of Ethiopia to promote the viability and resiliency of pastoralist communities through market development and natural resource management.