Rural Outmigration as a Livelihood Strategy to Households: A Study from Ankasha District of Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia
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Date
2024-05
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
This dissertation investigates the significance of rural-out migration as a means for rural households in Ankasha District of Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia to diversify their livelihood incomes. Employing a cross-sectional design, the study covers a sample of 740 randomly selected households from six Kebeles in Ankasha District, Amhara Region, Ethiopia. The Berger Parker method was used to calculate the livelihood strategy index, and the Blinder-Oaxaca decomposition of linear regression was performed to compare strategies between the two groups. Moreover, binary logistic regression analysis was used to identify the key factors in migration decisions. Furthermore, the study employed ordinary least squares regression to analyze the impact of outmigration on asset-based wealth, agricultural input expenditure, and health and education spending for left-behind household members. The findings indicate that migrant-sending households display higher livelihood income diversification, which can be attributed to wealth disparities. Younger household heads face challenges in implementing effective strategies, and the elimination of wealth disparities exacerbates this gap. Furthermore, the study reveals that migration decisions are largely made collectively within households, influenced by factors such as household composition, structure, the age of the household head, and economic deprivation.
Moreover, the research highlights the vital role of migration networks for migrant-sending households’ association with household size, formal education, and length of stay at the destination influencing the likelihood of establishing a stronger network. The study also demonstrates that outmigration has positive effects on investments in health and agricultural inputs, although these effects diminish in multivariable analysis. Migrant sending status significantly impacts asset-based wealth, and possessing more land and earning income from other sources enhances both asset-based wealth and agricultural input expenditure. Overall, the findings underscore the importance of rural-out migration as a strategy for diversifying households’ income in rural Ethiopia. The research emphasizes the need for policies that improve economic conditions, address wealth disparities, and enhance household capabilities in addressing challenges. Furthermore, the study calls for comprehensive analysis and the examination of migration within a broader context of the development agenda, utilizing more reliable longitudinal data.
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Rural outmigration, Livelihood strategy, Households, Ankasha District, Amhara, Ethiopia