Determinants of Money Metric Poverty among Female Headed Households in South-West Ethiopia: The Case Study of Districts around Gilgel Gibe Hydroelectric Dam

The main objective of this study was to investigate the determinants of monetary poverty among female headed households (FHH) in South West Ethiopia with special focus on districts around Gilgel Gibe Hydroelectric Dam. It also further aimed at look into the extent of poverty among female headed households by way of making comparison with the male headed households. Using household data of 400 samples, the study employed Foster, Greer and Thorbacke (FGT) class of poverty index to identify extent, depth and severity of poverty among female headed households as compared to Male Headed Household (MHH). The binary logistic model was used to find out the main factors that affect the poverty situation of female headed households in the area under consideration. The result of Foster, Greer and Thorbacke class of poverty index shows that the incidence, depth and severity of poverty are high among female headed households than male headed households which support the hypothesis of feminization of poverty. The results of logistic regression revealed that the poverty status of female headed households are negatively related with amount of land owned, access to market information and work experience of households. On the other hand, distances from the local market increases the likelihood of female headed households falling into poverty. Finally, the paper suggests that all concerned bodies should be actively involved in the empowerment of women so as to reduce overall poverty in the country. Keywords: Poverty, Determinants, Female Headed Household