THE NEXUS AMONG DISABILITY, EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY AND POVERTY: THE CASE OF PERSONS LIVING WITH DISABILITY IN HARAR TOWN

Abstract

The empirical literature on the impact of living with disability on employment outcomes has consistently shown that individuals with disabilities are more likely than those without to experience adverse labor market outcomes. This study investigated the nexus among disability, employment opportunity and poverty of persons living with disability in Harar town. Data for this study collected from both primary and secondary sources. Primary data were collected through a cross sectional survey using interview schedule, in-depth interview with key informant, and observation and also secondary data extracted from various written materials as reviewing literature. A total enumeration or censes was used to select the respondents of the study and 355 PLwD were selected for interview schedule. Moreover, in-depth interview was taking place with legal expert, NGO leaders, leaders of the association of PLwDs and selected individuals who were living with disability. Descriptive statistics and constant comparative analysis were used to analyze quantitative and qualitative data respectively. The Foster, Greer and Thorbecke poverty measures were used to compare the incidence, depth and severity of poverty among people living with disability in the light of employment status, types of disability and education. The main conclusion of the study is that the incidence, depth and severity of poverty is affected more by the educational status and employment status of respondents. Moreover, incidence of poverty has observed almost in half(43%) of people living with disability. This study advances our knowledge of the relationships between disability, employment opportunity and poverty it also beyond knowledge advancement, it will offer support for stakeholders to alleviate the problem of employment opportunity and poverty of people living with disability.