Mixed-Methods Approach in Development Studies: Understanding and Explaining Processes and Outcomes of State-sponsored Resettlement in Ethiopia

Drawing on empirical examples of livelihood changes associated with state-sponsored resettlement scheme in Western Oromia, Ethiopia, this paper aims to make a methodological contribution on the advantages of integrating qualitative and quantitative methods. It demonstrates the complementary roles of qualitative and quantitative methods at various stages of the research process, notably at the stages of data collection, and analysis and interpretation. It highlights that development research could benefit from employing a mixed-methods approach. At a general level, the paper conveys the message that understanding and explaining processes and outcomes of development interventions is aided by combining quantitative and qualitative methods. Specific to livelihood changes associated with resettlement, quantitative methods enable us to quantify the changes and, thereby, specify the magnitude of the resettlement scheme’s impacts. However, what these changes mean as perceived and expressed by the subjects of the study is vital and can only be addressed through an approach that embraces qualitative methods. This is because qualitative methods are good at capturing contextual and subjective meanings of social phenomena. Moreover, the application of mixed methods enables us address the statistical and substantive significant of the variables under study and enhance the policy relevance of the findings. One method thus complements the other in meaningful ways.