Determinants of multidimensional rural poverty in Burji and Konso area, Southern Ethiopia

This study was conducted in Burji and Konso area, Southern Ethiopia, specifically to measure the status of multidimensional poverty of rural house-holds and to find its determinants. To address these objectives, 368 households were selected using simple random sampling techniques. The data were collected from primary and secondary sources. The interview schedule was used to collect primary data. Secondary data were collected from books, journals from the internet, unpublished researches, and different official reports. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were implemented. Alkire & Foster's methodology with modified four dimensions and 14 indicators was used to analyze the multidimensional rural poverty index and a binary logistic regression model was employed to detect its determinants at the household level. Accordingly, the incidence of 76.6%, the intensity of 54.7%, and the multidimensional poverty index (MPI) of 0.419 were obtained in the study area. The value of multidimensional poverty varies across poverty cutoffs suggesting that the Adjusted Headcount Ratio (MPI) value is highly sensitive to the choice of multidimensional poverty cutoff. The binary logistic regression model output in marginal effects indicated as the education level of the household head was significant at a 1% significant level. The other variables livestock, farm size, and distance to the market were significant at a 5% significant level. Hence, expansion of non-formal education, expansion of off-farm and non-farm job opportunities, intensification and diversification of agricultural activities, provision and strengthening livestock extension of poultries, and small ruminants improved breeds were recommended to be practical by Woreda to regional level officials.