Drawing upon health and population surveys, maps and analyses collected between 1963 and 2007, this fascinating interdisciplinary study explores the origins, history and development of the Ethiopian village of Kossoye. Founded in 1945, it has since been home to five generations. The fifth generation, born after the fall of Mengistu in 1991, now lives in a growing town with businesses, electricity, a health post, access to public transport and a school with 1300 students. However, they also face challenges unlike any of those faced by their ancestors.