Migration and development in Ethiopia: Exploring the mechanisms behind an emerging mobility transition

Abstract This article examines the impact of Ethiopia’s historical development on nature, volume, and direction internal international migration. We describe three important trends associated with an emerging ‘mobility transition’: sedentarization nomadic semi-nomadic populations; urbanization migration trajectories; diversification Within these overarching trends, we discuss periods political conflict, resettlement, famine that led to significant displacement. then explore drivers mobility shifts, evaluating relative influence various political, economic, cultural, technological developments patterns over time. Our analyses distinguish between deep transition (e.g. nation-state formation, rising educational attainment, infrastructure development, industrialization) displacement conflict or resettlement programs) can suddenly affect movements large population segments. detailed case study contributes a growing body research transition’ by revealing how society’s entire complex changes—not only levels migration—as social transformations modern-day proceed.