When Shocks Persist
Resilience and Path Dependence in Household Welfare in Sub-Saharan Africa
Summary
Households in Sub-Saharan Africa are increasingly vulnerable to shocks, including climate change and other idiosyncratic events. This study analyzes panel household survey data from over 12,000 households across six countries (Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Malawi, Nigeria, Tanzania, and Uganda) provided by the World Bank. The findings will help policymakers design targeted interventions to strengthen household resilience and reduce vulnerability to such disruptions.
Researchers
Tigist Mekonnen Melesse (PhD), Senior Economist and Director, Social Innovation and Impact Institute (Si3)
Wondimagegn Mesfin Tesfaye (PhD), Economist at World Bank Group
Moderator: Eyuel Ayele, PhD Student At Addis Ababa University
Date and time: November 27, 2025, 4:00 PM, East Africa Time
Virtual Seminar Series, February 27, 2026, 4:00 PM, East Africa Time
Research Topic: Livelihood Diversification and Household Welfare in Uganda: Evidence of Income and Food Consumption Effects
Summary:
Ending all forms of malnutrition and achieving food and nutrition security by 2030 is a key objective of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2. This study investigates the relationship between livelihood diversification and household welfare, focusing on income, food expenditure, and dietary diversity. It uses eight rounds of longitudinal data from the World Bank, spanning from 2005/06 to 2020/21, which includes over 3,000 rural and urban households across 128 districts in Uganda and covers 131 food items. By employing geographical instruments, the study provides a more precise understanding of the outcomes of livelihood diversification.
Researchers:
Tigist Mekonnen Melesse, PhD
Social Innovation and Impact Institute, Washington D.C., USA
Abebayehu Girma Geffersa, PhD
Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO), Canberra, Australia
Martin Paul Jr. Tabe- Ojong, PhD
World Bank Group, Washington D.C., USA
Moderator:
Eyuel Ayele, PhD Student At Addis Ababa University
Date and time: February 27, 2026, 4:00 PM, East Africa Time