Migration and Rural-Urban Linkages in Ethiopia

The case of TE illustrates an urban-urban migration experience, whereby migration is notnecessarily induced by poverty, rather it is used as a means of maximising opportunitiesfor livelihood as TE is from a relatively well off family. In this case, TE was able tosucceed in trade in part since his family, who were themselves wealthy migrants out oftheir home area, were able to provide him with initial capital.Case 2: LN, distress migrant – individual experienceLN, Amhara, was born in Goba town, Bale province, from a peasant family in 1960. In 1977, he joined thearmy and went to the war front in Northern Ethiopia. He served the army for thirteen years and left whenthe military regime collapsed in 1992. He returned first to his hometown but could not live there long dueto the harassment from EPRDF cadres. His sister, who used to live in Shashemene as a bar owner invitedhim to move to Shashemene. Subsequently, she helped him to open a small bar. He learned from hismigration that one has to be a hard worker and diligent enough to survive the hardship of earning money intown. For him, migration is a survival mechanism to escape the harassment he faced at his hometown and away to earn a basic living in the town.In this case the individual, who also came from a migrant family, left due to politicalharassment and was able to succeed because of a prosperous family member in the townto which he migrated..Case 3: TB, seasonal/short-term migrationTB was born in Soddo, Gurage in 1962 from a middle class family. In 1978, he moved with his uncle tolive in Yirgalem town. After staying there for five years, he moved to Arba Minch in 1983. He lived thereuntil 1990 and then returned to his birthplace, Soddo, to start blacksmithing work. He comes toShashemene every year to work as a blacksmith. From his migration experience, he learned that hismigration to Shashemene has increased his income. He has strong links with long-term migrants fromSoddo and he is a member of other social organisations like iddir.The case of TB also indicates a rural-urban migration experience, whereby migration isused as a means of maximising employment opportunities.Case 4: ZG, long-term migrationZG was born in Enemor, Gurage in 1938 from a peasant family. He moved to Addis Ababa in 1951. It washis brother who took him to Addis Ababa when his parents died. Until 1963, he stayed in Addis Ababa withhis brother who was engaged in spice trading. ZG used to assist his brother in running the small business.In 1964, ZG moved to Shashemene with the anticipation of a better life. Unfortunately, he is not happyabout his current life since he does not have a regular job and income.The case of ZG indicates the role of a brother in migration decision- making but themigration experience was still unsuccessful.66