Research Project (Ongoing)

Impact of Conflict and Drought on Child Wellbeing and Educational Outcome in Tigray, Ethiopia

In recent years, there have been remarkable advances in access to education, particularly in developing countries. At the same time, widespread conflict around the world is threatening these advances. Conflict destroys infrastructure, displaces students and teachers, claims lives, and has a negative impact on children, including school closures and learning delays.

The war in Tigray, which began in November 2020 and ended with a ceasefire in November 2022, was the most devastating in Ethiopian history, destroying all infrastructure and undermining people's livelihoods. The education sector is among the sectors hardest hit by the conflict, resulting in two years of lost schooling for all children in Tigray. The war has created several problems in terms of quality and access to education. Trauma and psychological distress are widespread. Moreover, the war was followed by a severe drought in Tigray. The recent impact of El Nińo has affected the livelihood system of households in the region. The two overlapping shocks may have scarring effects, including lasting impact on the population in general and on the educational performance of children in particular.

This study will analyze the impact of conflict and subsequent droughts in the Tigray region of Ethiopia on children's well-being and educational outcomes, based on data collected through household surveys.