Browsing by Author "Dereje Feyissa"

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    The Dynamics of Religious Pluralism and Tolerance in Federal Ethiopia: The South Wollo Experience
    (AAU, 2020-08) Yassin Hussen Mohammed; Dereje Feyissa
    This study deals with the dynamics of religious pluralism and tolerance in Ethiopia’s secularism considering South Wollo as a case. The major objective of the study is to examine the changing character of religious pluralism and tolerance in federal Ethiopia. The study argued that the adoption of ethnic federalism accompanied by a religio-pluralistic secular venture has brought a new dynamics of religious pluralism and tolerance in Ethiopia in general and in South Wollo in Particular. Based on a qualitative approach, the study uncovers the issue of religious pluralism and tolerance in the current secular venture; the emerging dynamics of religious contestation at the federal level manifested in terms of state-religion relations, inter and intra-religious relations; local models of religious pluralism and tolerance and the advent of reform movements and the changing contours of religious tolerance. The study emphasized the need for a holistic approach that helps understand the changes and continues on the nature of religious pluralism and tolerance in the study area. Accordingly, from a historical perspective, it discusses the trajectories of religious tolerance in pre-federal Ethiopia since its modern inception in 1855. Although the focus of the study is on the changes, it dwells on the local models of religious pluralism and tolerance still existing in the area in order to show the changes that occurred under the religio-pluralistic secular policy of the state. Hence, the study identified Communal Institutions (Idir and Equb), interfaith marriage and affinity (Amachicha) relationship, neighborly relations, the Abbagar institution, cooperation in building worship places and pilgrimage to shrines still existing arenas of religious pluralism and tolerance in South Wollo. In contrast, the study identified major areas of change over religious pluralism and tolerance as the decline of interfaith- communal associations, neighborly relation is now becoming more religious-based, and cooperation in building worship places is declining. It is the contention of this study that the current venture has shown a mixed result as far as religious tolerance is concerned. On the one hand, with all its pitfalls the Ethiopian secular experience has positive ramifications for ensuring religious liberty by creating equal opportunity for all religious groups in practicing their religion thereby set a stage for religious pluralism and religious tolerance. On the other hand, the new religio-pluralistic policy has invited a new dynamics of both inter and intrareligious intolerance.
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    Factors Influencing Project Implementation Delay: The Case of Projects Financed by Development Bank of Ethiopia
    (Addis Ababa University, 2023-06) Dereje Feyissa; Berhanu Denu (PhD)
    Projects are essential for implementing strategies, involving the execution of well-planned activities within a set schedule. However, project implementation delays have global ramifications, affecting both involved parties and national economies through time and cost overruns. This study aims to assess project implementation delays and evaluate factors influencing implementation delays in projects financed by the Development Bank of Ethiopia, hindering its goal of national development facilitation. It provides valuable insights for enhancing project planning and management practices. The research employed an explanatory research design, collecting qualitative and quantitative data through structured questionnaires and interviews. The target population consisted of projects financed by the bank's head office, with respondents’ selected using purposive sampling and stratification. Data analysis employed econometrics/inferential analysis. The analysis revealed statistically significant factors influencing project implementation delays, such as project planning, loan approval processes, follow-up and supervision, promoter competency, contractor experience, and clarity in drawings and material costs. To address these delays, it is recommended to prioritize thorough feasibility studies, risk assessments, and timely fund approval in project planning. Regular site visits, progress assessments, and proactive problem-solving are crucial for effective monitoring and timely identification of delays. Additionally, investing in professional development and training for promoters, contractors, and project managers will improve their skills, leading to more efficient implementation and reduced delays. Implementing these recommendations will support the Development Bank of Ethiopia's national development facilitation goal while ensuring successful project execution.
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    The Dynamics of Amhara Nationalism in Ethiopia and its Political and Institutional Implications
    (Addis Ababa University, 2023-02) Yilkal Ayalew; Dereje Feyissa
    No other identity has been as debated as Amhara ethnicity in post-1991 Ethiopia. This dissertation examined “Amhara” both as a supra-ethnic category and an ethnic identity, which is relevant in contemporary political and scholarly discourse of ethnicity and nationalism in Ethiopia. Ethnicity, conflict, and institutional design in Ethiopia have been discussed mostly in connection with minority groups. This kind of general classification may be rejected by “dominant” groups who do not perceive themselves as based on ethnicity. As a result, little is known about Amhara identity in relation to Ethiopian nation-building practices. This concern is more crucial in the current context as the Amhara, who used to closely associate themselves with Ethiopian statehood since imperial times, are now developing an ethnic sentiment claiming a perceived and real marginalization within the post-1991 political system. The study’s key questions were: (1) how has the post-1991 political discourse and its institutions contributed to the development of Amhara ethnicity? And (2) how will the rise of Amhara nationalism affect the functioning of the political system work in progress? Data was acquired through interviews, focus groups, document review and netnography, as well as observations using a qualitative research methodology. Data were gathered from a wide range of sources, including broadcast and social media platforms, political party leaders, activists, and academic elites, leaders (members) of formal and informal associations and organizations, and viewpoints voiced by these groups. The results indicate that the in-group and out-group conceptions pertaining to Amhara identity are different. Amhara identity is defined from the outside and contested from inside. This study also revealed the different discourse behind the debate on the (non) existence of Amhara as an ethnic group. Proponents of the idea that Amhara does not exist as an ethnicity espouse an Ethiopian nationalism promoted as a supra-ethnic identity that all ethnic groups need to integrate into.It also showed how Amhara ethnicity has been built under various political contexts in which it goes from rejection to embracement. The study also identified the discursive narratives, ideological underpinnings of othering, and institutional flaws as the cause for the rise of Amhara nationalism. This is the result of the fact that a nation-state system and its centralized structures are replaced by a non-representative, fragile devolved system. The Amhara, who remained left out during the institutionalization of the current political system, now demand to be integrated into it. This would be an entry point to the evolution of constitutional and institutional designs that redress the limits of existing multi-national federalism in general and ethnic-territorial autonomy in particular, which further replicates the strain on the management of conflicts caused by the existing system.