The determinants of household poverty: the case of berehet woreda, amhara regional state, Ethiopia

Abstract

Nowadays, poverty is one of the most important issues that needs due attention in many developing countries like Ethiopia. Nonetheless, poverty in Ethiopia remains widespread in both rural and urban areas. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the determinants and status of poverty in Berehet Woreda. The study was conducted using a cross-sectional survey. To conduct the study, a sample of 384 households was selected using a stratified simple random sampling technique. Foster Greer Thorbecke’s Poverty Index was used to examine the extent and severity of poverty in the Woreda. Accordingly, about 36% of households in Woreda live below the poverty line, with an average poverty gap of 12% and poverty severity of about 7%. The binary logit model showed that household education status, dependency ratio, residential area, and access to credit were statistically significant in determining household poverty status. Since the poverty situation in Woreda was worse than the national average, the regional government should prioritize this Woreda and develop a special type of projects especially in rural areas that can lift the majority of the poor out of poverty.