Lemma, M. D., & Cochrane, L. (2019). Policy coherence and social protection in Ethiopia: Ensuring no one is left behind. Societies, 9(1), 19.
Overview: Comparing plans and practices is crucial due to the significant amount of social protection funding provided by donors. These plans and policies may not reflect government personnel’s ideas or align with other sectoral policies, leading to a lack of policy coherence. This paper analyzes Ethiopia’s social protection policy and strategy, focusing on internal and external policy coherence. It presents a case study of the Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples’ Regional State (SNNPRS) region to explore implementation questions and provide insights into federal and regional state policies’ function in relation to one another.
Methodology: This qualitative research study examines the coherence of Ethiopian social protection policy using a content analysis approach and comparative narrative analysis. The study focuses on consistency within the policy itself and its implementation.The framework was developed in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and aligns with the 2030 Agenda. The analysis includes two levels: national and regional case studies.
Findings:The social protection policy (PSNP) faces challenges in policy coherence and implementation. The policy is not operational in some regions, including Gambella and Benishangul-Gumuz, and only covers woredas classified as food insecure. This poses concerns about equitable resource distribution and not necessarily those most in need. Additionally, the timing of public works, such as public works scheduled from January through June, does not align with the food shortage season. This suggests a lack of policy coherence between government development policies and sectoral decisions, such as the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resource.
Ethiopia faces immense challenges due to its large population, including the lack of consistent governmental support for people living with disabilities and unemployment. The Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (MoLSA) is working to establish a social protection fund to serve this population. The government is aware of these challenges and has developed initiatives and policies to address them. However, gaps in the National Social Protection Policy, such as a lack of guidelines, action plans, disconnected initiatives, and uneven implementation, remain.
Conclusion: Ethiopia’s comprehensive social protection policy is commendable, but its aspirations to achieve the SDG agenda of ‘leaving no one behind’ are constrained by policy incoherence. This incoherence results in inefficient resource utilization, new social protection initiatives, and conflict. To achieve the SDG agenda, Ethiopia must strengthen internal and external policy coherence. Implementation coherence at the local level can demonstrate collaboration and coherence, providing valuable insights into policy coherence pathways. The SDG ‘issues’ approach, involving intergovernmental sectors and diverse stakeholders, aligns with this approach.