This study explores the three dimensions of rural poverty: deprivation, exclusion and vulnerability, and household coping
mechanism in the case of selected kebeles of Shashemane woreda in a micro-level perspective. Each of these dimensions
are examined individually, and it is shown that the complexity of poverty emerges from the interplay of all the three. The
study area is found to be impoverished in all the three dimensions and have employed weak and temporary coping
mechanisms. The result of this rural poverty assessment clearly indicates that poverty needs to be understood in a
multifaceted manner and its interventions need to focus on the multi-dimensional nature of poverty. Effective and
appropriate interventions, such as improved access to basic services, social protection, participation, empowerment,
integration, better access to productive resources, and expanded and diversified livelihood opportunities are
indispensable conditions to alleviate the multi-dimensional domains of poverty.