Adapting to drought: how do public works affect conservation and labor engagement in rural Ethiopia?

Abstract This paper explores the effects of public works on soil and water conservation practices and labor participation in rural Ethiopia, aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goals for life on land. By using unbalanced panel data across three periods (2011/12, 2013/14, and 2015/16), this study examines the relationship between drought and public works employment, utilizing satellite-based Enhanced Vegetation Index anomalies as a proxy for drought shock. Findings indicate that public works positively impact soil and water conservation practices despite concerns about crowding out individual efforts. Moreover, participation in public works increases labor allocation to agricultural activities while reducing hours in non-agricultural work. This shift suggests that public works can promote sustainable land use and enhance food security. The study highlights the role of public works employment within the Productive Safety Net Program in improving resource conservation and livelihoods, emphasizing its potential as a pathway for sustainable development in rural areas facing environmental challenges like drought.