Migration and Rural-Urban Linkages in Ethiopia

Dinki, Amhara: Out–migration trendsIt is reported that there are increasing trends of out-migration and links to otherdestinations over the past five years. The reasons for the high level of migration includepush factors such as debt from micro-financial institutions and land taxation, restrictionson the sale of farmland and the worsening of rural destitution.FGD participants mentioned the importance of urban areas such as Nazareth, Awash,Aliyu Amba, Gena Memicha, Dulecha, Gachene and Debre Birhan. They all agreed thatAliyu Amba was the most important town in all aspects of linkage, especially market andhealth services. It was indicated that people in Dinki sell their grains, fruit, onions, chat,coffee, cattle, sheep and goats, and buy all consumption goods in Aliyu Amba onMondays and Thursdays.It was revealed that the Aliyu Amba health post has been the only institution they used toget primary health care services, while Debre Birhan Hospital was often visited fortreatment against serious illness, and accidents such as bullet wounds and, birthproblems.Poor Muslims were said to have been travelling to Nazareth every year during Ramadanto receive alms from rich business people who are successful migrants.Gena Memicha (Haramba) was also revealed as an important town for its Saturday andTuesday markets. Dinki people go there to buy oxen and cows, and weavers obtain cottonthread at fair prices. They also sell their fruits and vegetables there.Gachene, which is the main town of the special wereda for the Argoba people in Afar,was said to be of little importance in terms of market services. However, they agreed thatit has been most important market place for the single cash crop: chat.It was indicated that many Argoba in Dinki have kin in Gachene with whom theyinteract. They also revealed that the town was an important place for obtainingemployment as daily labourers during the huge construction project for the weredagovernment offices since 1993.Dulecha was also mentioned as another important town in Afar for buying cattle, camels,sheep and goats. However, they revealed that their access to this market opportunity hasbeen frustrated by periodic inter-ethnic conflicts and due to repeated attacks and killingscommitted by the Afar against Amhara and Argoba individuals as they travelled to orfrom Dulecha market.During the FGD, it was revealed that Ankober was far less important for adult people interms of market services. They indicated that people from Dinki do not take their produceor animals to sell in Ankober. However, they agreed that it has been an important marketfor both sub-groups for buying black sheep that are slaughtered for cult rituals in January,June and September.37