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Rural Livelihoods, Poverty, and the Millennium Development Goals: Evidence from Ethiopian Survey Data

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  • Bluffstone, Randall
  • Yesuf, Mahmud
  • Bushie, Bilisuma
  • Damite, Demessie

Abstract

This paper provides an in-depth look at some of the key development issues facing households in Ethiopia, in the context of the Millennium Development Goals (MDG). Using household survey data from 2000, 2002, and 2005, we found that Ethiopia is making progress toward some vital MDG goals, but household incomes are shockingly low and hugely varied. Assets could potentially help smooth consumption when incomes vary, but because land is owned by the government, it cannot serve as a true, functioning asset. The current property rights structure excessively limits households’ options.

Suggested Citation

  • Bluffstone, Randall & Yesuf, Mahmud & Bushie, Bilisuma & Damite, Demessie, 2008. "Rural Livelihoods, Poverty, and the Millennium Development Goals: Evidence from Ethiopian Survey Data," RFF Working Paper Series dp-08-07-efd, Resources for the Future.
    • Handle: RePEc:rff:dpaper:dp-08-07-efd
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    Cited by:

    1. Kassie, Menale & Holden, Stein & Köhlin, Gunnar & Bluffstone, Randy, 2008. "Economics of Soil Conservation Adoption in High-Rainfall Areas of the Ethiopian Highlands," RFF Working Paper Series dp-08-09-efd, Resources for the Future.
    2. Mekonnen, Alemu & Bluffstone, Ramdall, 2008. "Is There a Link between Common Property Forest Management and Private Tree Growing? Evidence of Behavioral Effects from Highland Ethiopia," RFF Working Paper Series dp-08-29-efd, Resources for the Future.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Millennium Development Goals; rural poverty; Africa; Ethiopia;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • I31 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty - - - General Welfare, Well-Being
    • I32 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty - - - Measurement and Analysis of Poverty
    • I38 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty - - - Government Programs; Provision and Effects of Welfare Programs

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