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Urban welfare improvement, one of the policy concerns in developing countries, aims at income distribution,employment opportunities, empowerment and good urban governance. In Ethiopia, urban development, among others, is observed in the overall development strategy of the country in which urban centers should be livable places for dwellers by fulfilling various socio-economic services. Among multifaceted strategies, engaging the poor in employment opportunities through small enterprises is taken as valuable tool. This book, therefore, investigates the role such enterprises play in improving well-being of operators in Nekemte city of Oromiya Regional State,Ethiopia. The book has dual pronged objective: shading light on the nature and structures of the enterprises and gauging the extent of change of the living conditions of entrepreneurs in the study area. Hence, the book is valuable reference material for urban development policy makers,leaders and practitioners. Moreover, the material is useful for academics and research in comprehending the connection between urban poverty and micro and small enterprises.

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Daniel Woldekidan Elfeta earned his MA in Regional and Local Development Studies from Addis Ababa University. Before joining European Master in Comparative Local Development,he was full time Lecturer at Mekelle University, Ethiopia. His research interest lies in Regional and Urban Development Planning Issues and Policies.

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