Conflict induced household socioeconomic changes in Tigray

Abstract

Armed conflict causes substantial socioeconomic losses, particularly in low-income settings. This study examined household-level socioeconomic impacts of the conflict in Tigray, Ethiopia. A quantitative cross-sectional household survey was conducted from 4 June to 4 July 2021 (during the active conflict period) using a multi-stage sampling technique. A total of 3,252 households were included. Data were analyzed descriptively and with McNemar’s test for paired comparisons of pre- and during-conflict status. Of the households surveyed, 86.5% reported conflict-related damage or deprivation of basic services, and 76.75% experienced forced displacement. Statistically significant declines were observed in wealth status, occupational structure, and access to services (all p < 0.001). Wealth status shifted dramatically, with households classified as “poor” or “very poor” increasing from 17.4% pre-conflict to 79.6% during the conflict ( p < 0.001). These findings document extensive household-level disruption and provide evidence to inform post-conflict recovery planning and targeted humanitarian interventions.