Positive outlook
In June and July 2009 Synovate Kenya undertook a public opinion survey on sosio-economic issues for the InterAfrica Group, with financial support from the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Addis Ababa and SIDA. The final report shows that Ethiopians appear optimistic about their country, both with regards to its overall economic performance and personal economic conditions.
Improved national economic conditions but individual hardship remains
A majority of 67% of the respondents describe the present economic conditions of the country as good, although inhabitants of Harari, SNNRS and Somali appear less optimistic. In all regions except Gambella, Ethiopians have more confidence in the national economy than in their personal economy – possibly indicating that macro level economic improvements have yet to trickle down to most individuals. Even though 80% report the costs of living to be expensive or unaffordable, most people (72%) feel the cost of life in general have declined over the last two years. 43% of respondents regard their living conditions as poor and to get themselves out of poverty a considerable number of Ethiopians (30%) would like to be given credit facilities to engage in small start ups.
Government priorities
When it comes to government priorities, almost half the population is of the opinion that ensuring food security (46%), controlling food prices (46%) and fighting poverty (33%) should be key priorities the government needs to address in the coming two years.
Rating of public efforts
In terms of service delivery, provision of education opportunities, construction of new roads and effective tax collection are seen as areas where the government performed well in the last two years. Over 60% rate the provision of health services as good and only 7% rate these services as poor. As many as 71% think that the government is doing well in construction of new roads, and 67% are satisfied with road maintenance. Public efforts at controlling food prices, housing policies and use of public revenues are rated lower. The most criticised public policies include job creation (45%), poverty reduction (39%) and agro industry promotion (33%).
Performance of public bureaus
People are most satisfied with the performance of the Education (69%), Agriculture (57%) and Rural Development (57%) bureaus. Apparently underperforming bureaus are the Power Corporation (notably before the opening of Tekeze and Gilgel Gibe II) (19%), Trade and Industry (19%) and Revenue (22%).