African Studies

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The Socio-Economic Impact of South Sudanese refugees on the Host Community in Ethiopia: the Case of Pugnido Refugee Camp: Pugnido, Gambella Region
(Addis Ababa University, 2013-05) Mekuria, Wosenu; Mohammed, Yasin (PhD)
This study aimed at examining the socio-economic impact of South Sudanese refugees in Pugnido town. With the arrival of refugees from Sudan especially with the outbreak of the Second Sudanese Civil War there was exodus of refugees from Sudan in to Western Ethiopia regions. Thus the arrival of large number of refugees in to the area, particularly in Gambella brought a demographic, political, social, economic and environmental impact in the area. The study aims to understand and explain the socio-economic condition of the study area before the arrival of the refugees and the opening of the refugee camp. The study examined the economic activity, the culture and the history of the Host community, the Anywaa. So this enable to see the continuity and change with in the host community. In the study process questionnaire, interview and observation used to get a clear understanding of the socio-economic impact of the refugees in the area. It explained the social, economic and environmental impact. Since the host community practiced hunting and gathering as one part of their economic activity the deforestation and the loss of wild animals seriously affect their economy. This paper also explain the depth of the host community dependency on refugee food aid which reach almost all members of the host community directly or indirectly.
Challenges to Regional Integration: The Case of Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD)
(Addis Ababa University, 2013-05) Abraha, Gebregiorgis; Hassen, Mohammed (PhD)
This study explores and examines the challenges of regional integration in the sub region of Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD). Political and Economic integration has been part of African strategy to overcome fragmentation and improve the continent‟s position in the global political economy. Regional Economic Communities have been part of this and there are more such efforts in Africa than other continents. One of these, Intergovernmental Authority on Development was initiated in 1986 to coordinate efforts at combating drought and desertification and Reorganized in 1996, it has since been more active in managing regional conflicts. The paper uses the IGAD region as a case study to argue that there are more political and economic integration. In continental and regional perspectives there seem to be strong evidence that political and economic integration are close related, these include Neo-functionalism, Intergovernmentalism,Custom Union theory, Optimal Currency theory, Fiscal federalism and International Political Economy respectively. The study also discusses pre-conditions that are necessary to regional integration such as diversity in production, adequate infrastructure, political will, domestic peace, robust and strong private sector, strong market pressure and mutual trust among member countries and challenges for regional integration, including lack of supra nationalism and political will, overlapping membership, distrust among membership, lack of complementarities and poor infrastructure. The appraisal of this study reveals the challenges of IGAD region. The major challenges are political and security (lack of supra nationalism, lack of political will, security), structural challenges (weak institution, over lapping membership, lack of a proper managing of relations among member states) economic and social challenges (poverty, lack of complementarities, inadequate infrastructure, fast growth of population, endemic diseases and HIV/AIDS), problems on human and resources (lack of enough man power and finance). In conclusion the regional integration process in the IGAD region is still at lower level. Thus, this study stresses that if actual and sustainable regional integration is to advance, IGAD needs further agreements to implement and achieve their goal, and it needs synchronization of national efforts to improve agricultural production, bring the region‟s conflicts under control and need to reduce it
Elitist Mystifications and the Vagueness of Common Interest Perspective of the AU in the Global Order: A Statement Reconsidered
(Addis Ababa University, 2013-05) Ephrem Betre-Work, Benyam
The AU is re-created out of its old body, the OAU, to be able to make the continent to effectively face the ‘multifaceted challenges’ posed by globalization1. However, contrary to the AU’s long established belief, the cultural assertiveness by many groups in Africa in response to many discontents of globalization is unnoticeably threatening the imagined unity of African countries. This thesis demonstrated, 1. how such reactions to the new global order could affect the ‘common interest perspective’ of the AU and how the AU(ECOSOCC) would respond to this challenge. 2. how alternatives to such threatening scenarios offered by the AU like the ‘African personality’ which is wholly accepted as the unifying force among all African people are elitist and intellectual inventions which are what break the contract between African people and the AU(PAP). The thesis ‘Elitist mystification and the vagueness of ‘common interest perspective’ of the AU in the Global Order’ will evaluate 1. How AU would respond to the increasing cultural assertiveness of societies in response to globalization respective of its threats in weakening inner affinity. 2. How alternatives like the century old ‘African personality’ are mystified which would do no good to the wider mass in creating the ‘common interest perspective’ and how the AU would respond to this argument.
The Impacts of Economic Growth on Human Development in East Africa: A Comparative Analysis among member Country of EAC and Ethiopia
(Addis Ababa University, 2013-06) Zebene, Mekonnen; Hassan, Rania(PhD)
Economic growth is an important determinant of human development, which can contribute to the improvement of human development and poverty alleviation in East Africa countries. The economic growth rate of a country would be meaningful only if it is accompanied by improvement of human development. This study examines the impact of economic growth in enhancing the quality of human life in the current member countries of EAC and Ethiopia. Specifically, it analyzes the effect of the economic growth on human development of these countries for the period 1990/91 to 2011/12 by collecting quantitative from secondary sources. Empirical analysis has been performed by using descriptive and econometric technique to investigate the relationship between economic growth and human development. To achieve the objectives of the study, an econometric model for each country are estimated by using OLS method of estimation. So, this paper presents Six models for the sampled country to measure the impacts of proxies’ measure of economic growth on HDI (proxy measure of human development).By applying multiple linear regression model,HDI is regressed on LRGDP,LRGDPpc,RGDPg,AVA,PEE,PEH,Pr and POVL in each country that listed above. The paper concludes that the trends of the RGDP, RGDPpc and HDI have been fluctuated overtime. On average, the performance of these variables since 1990s and 2000s has been very low. This shows that a strong heterogeneity among these countries. This variation reveals that there is unequal performance of economic growth and human development in the East Africa countries. Moreover, all of the six countries models that estimated based on OLS i.e. regression results of each country indicate that LRGDP,LRGDP and RGDPg has a positive and insignificant impact on HDI. Similarly, the econometric results indicated that AVA,PEE and PEH have a positive and insignificant relationship with HDI. Although, Pr and POVL have a negative and insignificant impact on HDI. So, the OLS results showed unexpected reverse relationship with statistically insignificant effect at 10% and 5% levels of significance in all sampled East Africa countries except AVA in Uganda. Therefore, the econometric result is unreliable and invalid for policy formulation, policy analysis and predication purposes. Hence, member countries of EAC and Ethiopia should create a conducive macroeconomic environment and policy, and also NGOs and Government of these countries should commit their resources to invest in the human development sub sectors. But, further indepth research on this subject by using advanced econometrics methods is required in the future in the sampled countries under investigation
Challenges, Opportunities and Future Prospects for Implementation of New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD)
(Addis Ababa University, 2013-06) Petros, Zerihun; Sahilemariam, Getachew(PhD)
The critical challenge of development for Africa in the 21st century is an issue around which there is considerable consensus. In the context of debate, the new partnership for Africa’s development (NEPAD) has been promoted by its initiators as Africa’s Development blue print for meeting its development challenges. This study seeks to investigate the effectiveness of the new partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) in fostering sustainable growth and Development in Africa. The adoption of new partnership for Africa’s development (NEPAD) by the African heads of state and government in 2001 as a policy frame work for the socio- economic renewal of the continent heralded a new beginning that would inspire and energize development action throughout the continent. NEPAD provides all opportunity for African countries to demonstrate ownership and leadership in setting the development Agenda and carrying it out. It also expected to facilitate co-operation with the international community. However, it is fraught with many challenges, which are likely to impede the effectiveness of its implementation. These challenges include structural constraints, Political constraints, and Economic constraints. To this end, the study proffers some recommendations, which include:- to clarify the responsibilities of the NEPAD structures, regional and designated institutions in the implementation process, to broaden and deepened discussion with the wide public and all stakeholders strengthening the RECs secretariat, should design an evaluation instrument based on measurable out comes with bench marks related to the objectives of NEPAD. therefore, the study reveals that the road to a successful and effective NEPAD, and thus to a peaceful and prosperous Africa may lie in the future, but the foundation for Africa’s political and economic renaissance must be laid now.
The Migration of Professors from African Universities to the western world: The Case of Addis Ababa University Ethiopia
(Addis Ababa University, 2013-06) Abebe, Tesfaye; Abebe, Dechasa(PhD)
The aim of this study is to understand the major reasons of migration of academic intellectuals from Addis Ababa University to the developed world and to compare and contrast the brain drain from Imperial regime up to FDRE (1974-1993). The study will be used to find out the problem by analyzing the migration of academic intellectuals and to suggest alternative solutions. The study method was employed mixed method and is supplemented by available documents. Both narrative and survey research designs are used. The researcher divided the sampling frame into commonly selected strata (groups) of five Colleges and two Institutes arranged by strata. In the selecting process respondents were selected from each colleges and research institutes using stratified random sampling techniques. The data were gathered from AAU academic intellectuals, analyzed by using percentage, average (mean), descriptive words and the documents were incorporated to substitute the qualitative information. The data analysis and findings of this research showed that migration of academic intellectuals from AAU to the developed world is many factors such as: During Hile Selases regime no intellectuals turn over and they have no any economic problem and political persecution. During Derg regime the political persecution, refuges and killing intellectuals were high and the brain drain started on this regime. Also many AAU university intellectuals leave country on political persecutions, conflicts and war they have a big political problem but no economic. During current government since took power government dismissed 42 AAU academic intellectuals in 1993 it was major problem, the economic situation is too difficult, no political persecution and refugees it is too low. Therefore, many the AAU academic intellectuals leave the country on searching sufficient income, for survive and brain drain, brain circulation is too high on economic and technology cases. Finally some recommendations are forwarded: Policy makers to control this issue encourage on adjust housing, salary, creating conductive environment, attracting foreign intellectuals and both are should be knew university is not political and it is an area of academic, avoid conflict, take the responsibility on political issues, social situation and in democratic principles for the realization of better development
The Role Of Microfinance In Poverty Reduction: The Case of Specialized Financial Promotion Institute (SFPI)
(Addis Ababa University, 2013-06) Geleta Dessalegn, Aziza; Gebreselassie, Kidist (PhD)
Since the 1970s there has been a strongly growing interest in considering micro financing as a viable strategy for the poor. Similarly speaking, Microfinance can be a critical element of an effective poverty reduction strategy especially for developing countries. More than ever after the success of the Grameen Bank, the system has been duplicated in the different parts of developing world. Ethiopia is also one of the countries where microfinance has been given due consideration as a safety net for the poor to help them overcome the adversities of poverty. The services provided by microfinance institutions is desired to enable the poor to smoothen their consumption, manage their risks better, build their assets gradually, develop their micro enterprises, enhance their income earning capacity, and enjoy an improved quality of life. Microfinance institutions, as mentioned above, are basically set up with the goal of poverty reduction. Subsequently, in order to investigate the above premises, this study has undertaken empirical evidence in Specialized Financial Promotion Institute taking a sample of 120 clients from four branches of Addis Ababa to discern its contribution towards poverty reduction. Consequently the objective of this study is to find out the impact of microfinance towards poverty with a particular reference to Specialized Financial Promotion Institute. With the above objectives in mind, the research work employed questionnaires, key informants; focus group discussions, and observations to obtain primary data. In addition, secondary sources of data have also been collected from different literature and SFPI annual progress report. In deed the research is both quantitative and qualitative by its nature. The contribution of Microfinance is analyzed based on income, living condition, asset accumulation, saving, decision making power, self-esteem, self-confidence, business management skills along with the strength and weakness of the institution among others. The finding indicates that SFPI scheme has made positive contribution to the clients in relation to observed variables. Nevertheless significantly higher number of the clients complained about the institutions high interest rate, too small loan size, repayment policy, problematic group dynamics. Therefore, as a pointer to future endeavors, the current services of SFPI need to amend the loan size and reduce the interest rate in order to resolve the issues at hand and to fit the financial problem of the poor in the sector
The Challeges of Good Governance in Africa: The Case of Kenya
(Addis Ababa University, 2013-06) Bekele, Adane; Hassen, Rania(PhD)
Good governance is more in action where it can overcome all discriminations; based on wealthy, ethnic group, sex, region or political views; and also where all citizens equally benefited from countries resources. Good governance thus depends on interaction between stakeholders – leaders, political parties, bureaucracy, parliament, judiciary, private sector, civil society, media – and their interests; on capacity – human, technical, financial – of stakeholders to perform their role. Good governance requires fair legal frame works that are enforced impartially. It also requires full protection of human rights, particularly those of minorities. In a good governance the rules and regulations that is implied should be clear and friendly enough to general public and should also motivate the nation to follow the implied law’s of the country. This paper examines the challenges of good governance in Africa with special emphasis on Kenya. In order to assess the challenges of good governance, qualitative method was used. Data was collected from secondary and primary sources and analyzed in order to recommend possible solutions. Over the years, African governments and their institutions lacked the courage and will to enforce the law, procedures, and policies to enhance good governance. As a result in Africa, governance is characterized by poor institutional performance, inadequate parliament, lack of the independence of the judiciary system, corrupt police force, political instability, abuse and misuse of political offices, insufficient budgetary accountability, lack of respect for the rule of law and human rights, and bureaucratic bottleneck and above all corruption. The findings of this study revealed that there are manifold problems that contribute to lack of good governance in Kenya. In the history of Kenya, all the first three presidents since independence have been habitually surrounding themselves with individuals whom they consult as they make decisions affecting the nation. They relied on their ethnic groups and relatives to sustain their power rather than good policies and strategies which benefit the majority of the country. Good governance in Kenya is rare in practice because both the public and private officials are not accountable and decision-making process is not transparent. In Kenya, bad governance has, over the decades, been manifested, among other things, in inequitable distribution of national wealth, abuse of human rights, lack of constitutionalism, lack rule of law, lack of separation of power, centralization of power, lack of visionary leadership and other misde
Challenges to Re-Building Nation- State in Somalia Since 1991
(Addis Ababa University, 2013-06) Mulatu, Endale; Kassa, Getachew(PhD)
Since the fall of Siad Barre regime in 1991, Somalia has become disintegrated and divided into various fighting warlords. Since then, with the disintegrations of state institutions and structures, the state of Somalia came to an end as functional government. The situations in Somali have invited different interesting groups with different competing goals. Thus, over the last several years, many attempts have been made to establish effective central government in Somalia. All of the efforts were failed from the beginning. Therefore the main objective of this study is to identify the challenges that worked against to reestablish effective functioning central government in Somalia. The study also has tried to explore what types of state building approaches have been conducted and its outcomes. To accomplish this work, the study is based on qualitative research approach. Therefore, it relied on the use of secondary sources, which involve books, Journals, published and unpublished materials, and the internet sources. To consolidate the secondary sources, this study has used primary sources, interviews with relevant persons. The main findings of this study are the internal and external challenges which have prevented state re-building in Somalia. The internal challenges include: legacies of military regime, clan dynamics, radical Islam, un equal treatment of minorities and availability of weapons whereas the external challenges are the international and regional actors who have their own competing interests in Somalia. The study also recommended possible solutions as alternative approaches to the Somali problems. Among these recommendations: the bottom up state building approach, disarmament fighting factions and local people, inclusive peace process, avoiding discrimination are the major ones
The Role of Regional Economic Blocs in African Integration: the case of Inter Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD)
(2013-06) Dinka, Ketema; Mohammed, Yasin (PhD)
The concept of African regional integration is intended to solve the economic, political and social problems of African countries by coordinating the efforts of all African countries through regional and continental integration. The motives of regional economic communities have the prospect of enhancing continental development and integration in Africa under the umbrella of African Union. The theoretical and empirical back-ground of regional integrations are also examined to bring out the importance of regional blocs in African development and integration. In addition, based on thou, the progresses and challenges for African regional integration have discussed. There are visible progresses on IGAD cooperation and integration programmes implementation but, those changes are characterized by low span and uneven because of economic, social, political, environmental and security challenges at all regional of the continental including the IGDA region. Finally, this study strongly recommends that, there is needs of improve the institutional capacities of the IGAD and the member states to solve the rest of developmental challenges in the region such as; economic instability, security threat, financial constraint, external interference, less development of infrastructures and environmental challenges. However, IGAD and the rest of RECs are remaining as the central nerves for African development and continental integration.
The Socio-Economic Relations and Impacts of the Eritrean Refugees on Local Population: The Case of Assayita Woreda, Afar Regional State, Ethiopia
(Addis Ababa University, 2013-06) Messele, Solomon; Taffesse, Tesfaye(PhD)
The outbreak of the 1998-2000, Eritrea-Ethiopia Border War over badme and some Afar inhabited areas of southern Eritrea resulted in reverse cross border involuntary movement or flight or displacement of several thousands of Eritreans among them were the Pastoral and Coastal Afar people. The flight movement of these people was by and large towards Northern Ethiopia and Southwestern Djibouti where the inhabitants are Afar. [The flight was on both directions.) This study focused on the displaced Eritrean Afars and among them too it is limited to the study of only those refugees settled in the Aysaita refugee Camp. It is located near Assayita town, in Assayita wereda, one of the ancients and developed areas in the Afar region. The focus of the study is on the possible positive and negative experiences of the camp residents and their impact these Afar camp residents on the Host Afar society and the local economy and environment of the Assayita town and its surrounding areas and rural communities. Besides, the study also attempted to investigate relationships between the refugee and local Afars, non Afar residents and with officials in the Assayita town and wereda and their relations with INGOs and the Federal and Regional State institutions and authorities. Moreover, it attempted to see the processes of accommodation and integration of the camp residents but the local Afar and non Afar community members and by the local Afar regional state and Assayita wereda and town officials. To find answers/explanations to the stated issues the researcher employed different qualitative methods as well as secondary sources (reports on the refugee support and assistance operations) which were obtained from the Refugee Assistance – programme or refugee administration officials and from both NGOs (WFP, UNDP, UNHCR, APDA and other agencies), and from reports produced by the Government and NGOs operators in the Assayita and Afar refugee assistance workers and from the regional state and NGOs produced published and unpublished reports. The perspective followed in this study is that the Data obtained from the field has been analyzed and combined to form the present monograph. The findings of the research include: significant social and economic impacts on the local environment. The refugees have not been isolated and rather they have used their clan linage/kin relations and these linkages between the refugees, the Afar community and the Afar authorities in the regional and Assayita administrations has been to the benefit of the Afar refugees. So this has enabled them to benefit from social services of the town and regional administration. They have not been discriminated contrasted to the experience of other refugees. Because they feel that they are at home in Afar region and among their people the Afar. Finally, the findings show that first the war displaced Afar settlement has not been seen as having negative consequences on the society and did not pose pressure on local environmental and other resources and services. There has been no tension between the locals and the camp residents
Conflict patterns in the Horn of Africa in post cold war periods
(Addis Ababa University, 2013-06) Shugute, Abera; S.Mariam, Getachew(PhD); Hassen, Mohammed (phD)
The Horn of Africa is one of the most strategic areas in Africa and the world both in economic and political spheres. As a result, it had been the stage of a number of deadly conflicts which had regional and international ramifications. The fall of the Berlin wall and resultant end of the cold war which brought about a change in the global political landscape, had witnessed the collages of a number of government is the horn of Africa as well. These and other similar political developments that were unfolding in the sub- region had ushered a scenes of hope among many scholars and political activates that the gloomy scene of conflict would end of the Horn of Africa would extricate itself out of the social, economic and political morass bogged down for decades. However, things began to make uturn and most, if not all, of the state of the sub- region begin to mire in a state of vicious intra & interstate conflicts. Hence, conflicts in the Horn are very rampant: their sources are diverse and complex which involves numerous forces having wide – ranging and incompatible interests likewise to the pre – 1991 period. A number of factors are responsible for those situation to happen among which unsettled boundary problems created by colonial powers, the monopolization of state power by certain groups and to the exclusion of others which the challengers demands a number of political concessions starting from a redefinition of the state’s image, to power sharing or decentralization & devolution to self determination in various forms, object poverty, the proliferation to “political Islam” and terrorism a conflict escalated under the pretext of control over meager natural resource and of the problem of statelessness in Somalia are the most important despite all this turmoil and political upheavals there are some efforts exerted by regional and continental organizations geared towards resolving same of the persistent conflict not ably that of the problem of southern Sudan and Somalia. The peace process in the Sudan seems to be on the right track, while the problem of in Somalia has deteriorated and escalated particularly with the coming induced the military involvement of Ethiopia. Ethiopia and Eretria still in a no war, no peace situation. Hence, regional co- operation and peace seems to be very gloomy as the prevailing situation of the sub-region clearly shows
The socio-economic and environmental impacts of the implementation of carbon sequestration in Humbo Woreda, SSNPR, Ethiopia
(Addis Ababa University, 2013-07) Bekele Chorito, Aklilu; Tafesse, Tesfaye (PhD)
Carbon sequestration through forestry can help in the mitigation of global warming. For Africa, carbon sequestration also represents an opportunity to fund sustainable through financial inflows. However, with a low share of global carbon trade, there are strong concerns that African countries are losing out this valuable opportunity. Markets for environmental services have been growing in recent years wherein more and more people are willing to pay for benefits such as natural beauty, clean water, biodiversity etc. Carbon sequestration constitutes an important segment of this market. The major driving force for the growth of market for carbon sequestration has been the international effort to address the problem of global warming through the signing of the Kyoto Protocol which allows industrialized countries to take up carbon sequestration activities such as forestry projects in developing countries. The study focused on the socio-economic and environmental impacts of carbon project implemented in Humbo district SNNPR, Ethiopia. The analysis subsequently examined the nature and extent of community participation in the project implementation, the benefits that are envisaged from the project and other related issues based on the focus of the study. Quantitative and qualitative methods of research have been applied throughout the investigation. Accordingly, observation, in depth interviews, focus group discussions and questionnaires were used to gather information. The qualitative mode was employed to gather socially dynamic information on issues relating to beneficiaries’ perceptions of the activities in order to gain a deeper understanding of the dynamics at play. On the other hand, the quantitative mode was used to test variables related to the research problem. The study results show that carbon project makes a significant contribution to carbon sequestration and therefore can generate carbon credits by selling it in the market through CDM project. The observed status of carbon project tree species and the results from socio economic results are promising to enhance local livelihoods. It also enhances access to wide varieties of environmental goods and services to local communities. Since the local communities have had poorly developed infrastructure, limited options for livelihoods and dependence on subsistence agriculture, the Carbon Project may prove to be beneficial to the local community by providing regular source of income in the form of carbon payments
The Role of Income Generating Activities for livelihood Improvement of Women and Youth in Addis Ababa: the case of Yeka-subcity
(Addis Ababa University, 2013-07) Gelanew, Betelhem; Geberesilassie., Kidist (PhD)
Ethiopia is one of the poorest countries in the world with high rate of unemployment of women and youth. This rate is higher in urban than rural areas. In order to minimize the economic and social costs of high urban unemployment rate and raise the income of people living under poverty, the government has adopted income generating schemes through promoting MSEs. The study examined the role of such IGA for improving the income (via expenditure approach), saving, and decision-making of participants in Addis Ababa by taking Woreda 11 as a case and using quantitative and qualitative methods. The quantitative method employs propensity score matching and multiple regression analysis to assess financial asset improvement of participants. On the other hand, the qualitative method uses descriptive statistics, key informant interviews, and FGDs to assess the IGA profiles by gender and education of participants and beneficiaries’ psycho-social change brought by the program. Findings show that the major types of IGA are construction, manufacturing (metal work, woodwork, and food preparation), service, and trade. Of those who are engaged in food preparation, 96% are women whereas 85% of those engaged in construction are men. This shows that women are more into IGAs that perpetuate their traditional roles as food providers, which is reported to be mainly due to lack of skills for other activities. Also, findings show that program participation is increasing among graduates of higher learning institutions as shown by the growth in participation from 9% at the current IGA implementation stage to 20% at the training stage .findings further show that participation in has brought significant improvement in participant households’ total monthly expenditure (1%), saving (5%), and equb contribution (5%). IGA has also contributed to improving participants’ decision-making and self-esteem.
The role of Faith Based Civil Society Organizations in Peace making in Ethiopia and South Sudan. A comparative perspective
(Addis Ababa University, 2014) Kassa, Tsegaye; Abebe, Dechasa(PhD)
Civil Society Organizations play an important role on the international scene, and have been inviting increasing attention from scholars, who are above all interested in their long term impact on good governance. It is imperative to pay attention to the reality of the African scene with its inherent features undermining certain modern Civil Society activities. Furthermore, attention should be paid to the special features of African society and tradition and the willingness to try new and innovative approaches, taking advantage of the best in the old. Most African societies are deeply religious, and religion plays a major role in public life. Scholars are researching innovative new approaches to the interface between spirituality and civil society, and their impact on good governance. This study seeks to investigate this theme through close scrutiny of the situation in Ethiopia and South Sudan. Culturally and historically the areas are quite different, although geographically in close proximity to each other. The main stakeholders are somewhat different in each case; however certain aspects of the interaction between state, FBCSO’s etc. are similar. Most governments show a willingness to involve FBCSO’s and traditional institutions in conflict resolution and particularly in mediation processes, in which they can profit from their high degree of social capital. However, when it comes to lobbying for the implementation of long term holistic peace paradigm (as described by Prof. Hezkias Assefa) including redress of social grievances, more transparent and answerable government etc. they are hesitant, because they do not want their own personal interests to be touched. As a result FBCSO’s and indigenous institutions gain some success in brokering mediation efforts, however they are less successful in introducing long term sustainable peace paradigms, or breaking through recurring cycles of violence. Moreover, governments introduce legislation curtailing the activities of CSO’s and bring them under closer scrutiny by the authorities
An Assessment of Women Farmers' Participation in Agricultural Extension Services for Income and Nutrition Improvement in Ethiopia: The Case of Becho District, South West Oromia
(Addis Ababa University, 2014-05) Ali, Huia; Kassa, Getachew(PhD)
This study was designed to investigate the effectiveness of agricultural extension services consisting of both production and nutrition related information in improving the production and nutrition of farmers and women farmers in particular in Becho district. Required data were collected from four kebeles of Becho district from 338 randomly selected households (277 male headed and 61 female headed), 18 in-depth interviews with key informants and eight focus group discussions. The data were entered in SPSS software and organized in tables and figures and further described and analyzed following descriptive statistics, inferential statistics, bivariate correlation, and multiple linear regression analyses procedures. In inferential statistics, Chisquare (X2) test, independent samples t-test and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) have been applied. In order to test the significance of association between dependent and explanatory variables, i.e.; for r and coefficients (unstandardized beta) t-test has been used when ever required. Tests of significances have been decided at P ≤ 0.1 levels. The result of the regression model revealed that increased cultivated land, TLU, use of improved seed, access to credit and contacts with agricultural extension agent’s increases households’ agricultural production. On the other hand, it was only the impact of use of improved seed for female headed farmers was positive and significantly increases agricultural production. Age, educational level, family member less than 14 years old, use of improved seed, livestock size (TLU), and knowledge and attitude on agricultural extension activities (AEA) for income and nutrition) were found significantly influencing the index of all respondents’ and male headed farmers’ diet diversification function. On the other hand, only TLU was found significantly influencing the index of female headed farmers’ diet diversification function
Ethnicity and its Impact on Economic Development in Africa: Case Studies from Ethiopia and Nigeria
(Addis Ababa University, 2014-05) Anteneh Chanie, Asnake; Abebe, Dechasa(PhD)
Trends in Africa show that ethnicity has been manipulated by rulers for political appointment, economic control, social supremacy and cultural domination. Previous studies on the continent, extensively tried to explore ethnicity in terms of its political and cultural implications. Its economic inferences has not been well explored until recently. This study, by employing a qualitative approach, critically investigates the adverse effects of ethnicity on economic development in Ethiopia and Nigeria. It also aims at deriving constructive African lessons on how ethnic diversity can be managed and switched to fast, equitable as well as sustainable economic growth. In general, the research findings show that although federalism (either in ethnic or other forms) has been implemented as a system for state building in Ethiopia and Nigeria, still there are rising laments on political and economic inequality as well as manipulation of federal power by dominant groups. Ethnicity, with having a great space on the politico-economic structure of the nations, has hampered economic development through influencing investment, intensifying brain drain, amplifying corruption, leading unfair competition, eroding trust and exacerbating economic marginalization. Thus despite registering remarkable growth over the past couple of years economies in Ethiopia and Nigeria, while they enrich few sections of political elites and affiliated spectrums, leave masses of ethnic groups to live under poverty and face inequality. This directly shows the nations’ inability to implement genuine federalism for viable economic development. By recognizing the very existence of various ethnic groups and widening space for their prosperity through implementing genuine federalism, the study suggests that, the governments should propagate the grand positive impacts of national identity for state building and harness it accordingly
Challenges and Opportunities of Good Governance in Ghana
(2014-05) Daniel, Abrham; Mohammed (PhD), Yasin
Effective, stable, and accountable governments are essential. It can provide stakeholders at all levels to acknowledge the best alternatives for promoting good governance. This paper examines the challenges and opportunities of good governance in Ghana with special emphasis on accountability, transparency, judiciary, rule of law and human rights enforcement. In order to assess the challenges and opportunities of good governance, qualitative method of data analysis was used. Data was collected from secondary and primary sources and analyzed in order to recommend possible solutions. Over the years, the Ghanaian government and its institutions lacked the courage and will to enforce the law, procedures, and policies to enhance good governance. As a result in Ghana, until recently governance is characterized by poor institutional performance, weak parliament, and lack of independence of the judiciary, corrupt police force, political instability, abuse and misuse of political offices, insufficient budgetary accountability, and lack of respect for the rule of law and human rights, and corruption. But since around 1990s there observed significant improvement in respect to good governance in Ghana pertinent to performance of the institutions mentioned above. Finally, this thesis recommends that good governance is an essential prerequisite for any country’s development and to make the state and the political system workable and suitable for the people. Besides, it recommends that efficient and accountable institution and, political system; judicial, administrative, economic, and social rules that promote development, protect human rights and respect of the rule of law; and freedom for people to participate in those issues that affect their lives, must be in place in Ghana
Conflict Dynamics in a Three-Level Game: the Conflict Formation in Gambella, Southwest Ethiopia
(Addis Ababa University, 2014-05) Hamid, Mossa; Kassa, Getachew(PhD)
Gambella is one of the most, if not utmost, conflict ridden region of Ethiopia. For so long, the conflict formation in the region has been understood as local ethnic conflict between the Anywaa and the Nuer. Most of these are ethnographic studies that subscribe the Anywaa-Nuer ethnic conflict to the dominant “primordial” and “constructivist” narratives of ethnology. Despite this assumption, the conflict formation in Gambella is entangled at the national political process and the dynamic transnational conflict formation in the Horn of Africa. The objective of this study was to examine the conflict formation in Gambella from the three-level game of local, national and transnational conflict dynamics. A qualitative interpretation and analysis of primary data collected through semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions and comprehensive reading of secondary data such as books, journals, reports and other relevant documents have been made. The findings of the study show that the historic local ethnic relations and conflict between the Anywaa and Nuer, that had to do with resources such as water and pasture, began to be entangled to the national political processes in the early 20th century with the advancement of Abyssinian empire state accompanied by grand projects of state and nation building. The two ethnic groups were differentially integrated in the empire state. Starting from the second half of the 20th century the ethnic relations in Gambella which was already entangled into the national political processes became pawns in inter-state relations and conflict in the Horn of Africa. In the transnational conflict dynamics of the Cold War, Derg and SPLM/A on the one side and Khartoum and various armed groups fighting against Addis Ababa on the other side engaged in proxy alliances and wars. Locally, the Nuer in Gambella were mobilized and recruited by Derg in the fight in the North against EPLF and TPLF. The Anywaa supported by the Sudanese and TPLF fought against the Nuer and SPLM/A in Gambella. Even if today the conflict in Gambella is to do with the Anywaa political elites and highlanders and by extension the central government, the more assertive Nuer is a variable in escalating the conflict. In what seems to be a transnational conflict formation in South Sudan, the inter-ethnic relations and conflict between the Anywaa and Nuer are further intertwined as the two ethnic groups mobilized along the traditional “who is with whom” alliance formations along the frontier. Because this is a region where states are weak in their frontiers and similar ethnic groups living in their international borders are easily mobilized in transnational conflict dynamics
Causes and Consequences of Kenya’s military intervention in Somalia
(Addis Ababa University, 2014-06) Alemu, Yirgu; Mohammed, Yasin (PhD)
The central goal of this study is to scrutinize the causes and consequences of Kenya’s military intervention in Somalia in October 2011. It is to exert effort to bridge the gap in literature and to motivate further studies on the issue under study .The study will examine political, economic and social causes that triggered to incursion and the impacts that the military intervention brought. Methodologically, since the research deals with the socio political and economic factors with outcomes of the incursion, it pursued qualitative approaches in terms of data collection and design of analysis. The tools used to collect data were interviews and document analysis. An ethical consideration was employed to make objective analysis, to come up with sound findings and draw valid conclusions. In the course of data analysis, the causes and consequences of Kenya’s military intervention in Somalia are described in detail. .The findings of the study assert that the incursion was linked to creating a buffer state in Southern Somalia as a strategic solution for assuring security and economic interests of Kenya. Then, the study suggested possible recommendations that are Kenya to develop effective all inclusive national development policies, should approach voluntary repatriation of Somali refugees , develop effective security policies to secure border region, recognize the importance of inclusivity in trying to achieve a stable Somalia and Cross boarder incursion must be the last resort. Somalia should develop policies –strategies concerning returnees of Somali refugees to escape crackdown of stability and deal oil interest with international law.Creating stability in southern Somalia does not mean only by defeating Al-Shabaab. Kenya, with the help of its partners must now develop a political plan that includes attractive incentives for local clans to work together and share the region’s wealth and foreign assistance. That will require careful planning and support, as well as continued international involvement in development and capacity-building

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