The impact of famine, war, and environmental degradation on infant and early child mortality in Africa: The case of Tigrai, Ethiopia.

GENUS Abstract: In many African countries, war has become synonymous with famine. Using the 1994 Ethiopian Census, this study provides fresh evidence pointing to the combined impacts of famine, war and environmental degradation on infant and child mortality in Tigrai, Ethiopia, which have had estimates of infant and child mortality higher than the average mortality in Ehiopia. Infants and child mortality peaked during crisis periods and were greatest in urban areas. Both mother's and father's education reduced infant and child mortality levels, since parental education enables parents to buffer their children from the worst mortality impact during crisis periods.