Do ultra-poor graduation programs build resilience against droughts? Evidence from rural Ethiopia

Kalle Hirvonen, Daniel O. Gilligan, Jessica Leight, Heleene Tambet and Victor Villa

ABSTRACT

This study assesses how a multifaceted ultra-poor graduation program shields household wellbeing and women’s welfare during localized droughts in Ethiopia. Analyzing data from a substantial experimental trial, integrating livelihood and nutrition interventions with Ethiopia’s Productive Safety Net Program (PSNP), the research maps community-level exposure to droughts using satellite weather data. Results highlight the program's consistent moderation of drought impacts, particularly in diets, nutrition, and IPV, with enhanced household savings emerging as the primary mechanism for resilience.