The Ethiopian Economy, 1974-94

"Ethiopia Tikdem" (Ethiopia First) was the political motto of the socialist government that ruled Ethiopia from 1974 up to 1991. Under this motto the government launched several economic reforms and policies. Deteriorating economic performance, widespread famine and starvation during the 17 years of socialist rule demonstrated the failure of the government's strategy of economic development. This book presents a thorough analysis of the content and consequences of the Ethiopia Tikdem policies. The work is brought up to date with an analysis of the reforms aimed at building a democracy and a market-led mixed economy that have been introduced by the transitional government which took power in 1991.