Title: Education inequalities in Ethiopia: a macro-level analysis and its policy implications

Authors: Misganu Legesse Bareke; Birhanu Haile Agezew; Negash Haile Dedho; Adane Hailu Herut; Mesfin Molla Demissie; Berhanu Mekonnen Yimer; Mulugeta Fufa Lebeta

Addresses: Department of Educational Planning & Management, Dilla University, Gedeo Zone, Dilla, Ethiopia ' Department of Educational Planning & Management, Dilla University, Gedeo Zone, Dilla, Ethiopia ' Department of Economics, Dilla University, Gedeo Zone, Dilla, Ethiopia ' Centre for Education Studies & Research, Dilla University, Gedeo Zone, Dilla, Ethiopia ' Department of Educational Planning & Management, Dilla University, Gedeo Zone, Dilla, Ethiopia ' Department of Curriculum & Instructional Supervision, Dilla University, Gedeo Zone, Dilla, Ethiopia ' Centre for Education Studies & Research, Dilla University, Gedeo Zone, Dilla, Ethiopia

Abstract: Globally, inequalities in educational provision prevail among genders, various geographical regions and different socioeconomic backgrounds. Consequently, this study aimed to assess the level of disparity among the Federal Regional States of Ethiopia using the Gini coefficient and Lorenz curve based on statistical data obtained from the MoE. Additionally, data were collected from 656 respondents in the sampled regions. The results of the Gini coefficient indicated that disparity in educational provision has decreased over the past couple of decades, both at primary (0.145-0.032) and secondary levels (0.277-0.126). However, emerging regions significantly lag behind the central and established regions. The sources of variation were primarily demand-side variables, particularly economic and contextual factors such as drought and conflicts. Therefore, educational policies designed at the central (macro) level are advised to adopt a multi-model approach and develop tailored strategies to address the existing inequalities through an equitable provision of the education system.

Keywords: inequality; Lorenz curve; education; equity; demand and supply; Ethiopia.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMIE.2024.141752

International Journal of Management in Education, 2024 Vol.18 No.6, pp.515 - 541

Received: 16 Sep 2023
Accepted: 25 Jan 2024
Published online: 01 Oct 2024 *

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