Sociology

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Aspirations of Rural Youth Towards Agriculture: The Case of Hulet Eju Enese woreda, East Gojjam zone
(Addis Ababa University, 2014-11) Sergo, Aragaw; Tadele, Getnet (PhD)
Beyond the contribution of agricultural sector as alternative source of employment to the growing youth populations, the youth are the key to the future of agriculture. But, how the young people respond to small-scale farming and can the sector meet the aspirations of youth will be critical in terms of both future employment and food security. Thus, an understanding of the aspirations of rural youth towards agriculture and the factors contributing to their opinion formation is important for the development of the sector and youth employment in agriculture. The data presented in this thesis is drawn from in-school and out of school rural youth that have been categorized in to four different age groups to understand how and why aspiration and hopes change in the life course of young people. In the study, qualitative methods (in-depth interview, focus group discussion and key informant interview) and survey were used in Hulet Eju Enese woreda, East Gojjam zone. One high school was purposively selected and two kebeles having upper level primary schools were randomly selected for the study. Accordingly, in the selected schools and kebeles, in-depth interviews were conducted with eighteen people and three key informants. Four FGD sessions, two with each kebele, were also held with young farmers. Quantitative data was obtained from a survey of 188 randomly selected in school youth, 121 from high school and 67 with upper primary students. The study revealed that most of the rural boys and girls aspire to non-agricultural occupations. The absence of access to different kinds of services and infrastructures at a desired level to youth in rural areas compared to the urban make agriculture and rural life unattractive to youth. The general characteristics of agricultural and/or rural life (for instance backbreaking nature of the sector) have also contributed for youth to aspire non- agricultural career. Moreover, the social environments close to rural youth (e.g. family and media) have influenced youth to aspire beyond agriculture. But a significant number of rural youth show a desire to engage in agriculture if favorable things are there in the sector at least as transition to ‗best‘ means of livelihood. Thus, modernization of the sector and improvement of agricultural productivity, have influenced youth likelihood to engage in the sector. Nevertheless structural problems; land shortage, asset problems (like shortage of money), the problem of agricultural input, attitudinal problem, and backwardness of agricultural tools are among the constraints the youth face to start and/or do farming as their means of livelihood. I argue, therefore, improving the condition of rural life by increasing access to basic services, modernizing the practice of agriculture and changing the attitudes of the community is necessary to encourage youth involvement in the sector. Moreover, due attention should be given to structural problems like scarcity of farm land and accessibility of farming inputs to improve agricultural productivity and youth employment in the sector
Assessing the Impacts of Afforestation/Reforestation on the Livelihoods of Local People: The Case of Humbo Woreda, Wolaita zone
(Addis Ababa University, 2014-12) Israel, Fekadu; Murugan, P. (PhD)
The emergence of markets for ecosystem services and the implementation of A/R CDM projects across the developing world in recent time have changed the nature of dependence of rural people on forest resources. It is, therefore, timely to investigate the livelihood impacts of carbon forestry activities that are implemented on communal forest land. The main objective of this study was to disclose the impacts of Humbo A/R CDM project on the livelihoods of local people. The study employed mixed methods research. Three out of seven Forest Development and Protection Cooperatives (FDPCs) were purposively selected. 132 households were selected from three FDPCs for household survey using systematic random sampling technique. In addition, four key informant interviews and three focus group discussions were conducted to investigate community level impacts of the project. Findings indicate that the project caused a significant reduction in the households’ dependence on the forest land for fuel-wood, fodder and grazing area which in turn forced 24.2% of the households to purchase fuel-wood, 39.4 % to purchase fodder and 62.9 % to reduce their livestock possessions. Although 68.9 % of the respondents reported to have benefited from the created job opportunities, and 37.1 % received skill trainings in income generating activities, only 22% of the respondents attributed the improvement of their households’ income to benefits associated with the project. The protection of the forest land came up with negative livelihood outcomes particularly for households which previously highly depended on the forestland and for those living in close proximity of the protected forest due to its discouraging effect on crop and livestock production. At community level, the project achieved positive outcomes such as formation of FDPCs and strengthening their institutional capacity, building physical assets though some were not in line with priority needs of the communities, improved microclimatic conditions and increased savings of FDPCs. Whereas, weakening of informal institutions for joint ownership of livestock (Kottaa), share breeding of livestock (Ulo Kotta) and exchange of draught oxen (Booraa Gatuwaa) were worth mentioning negative outcomes. Finally, with regard to the attitude of the respondents towards the protected forest, among several variables, only educational status, size of farmland and the distance of the households from the forestland were found to statistically significantly predict the attitude of the respondents towards the forest. As sustainability of the forest depends on the positive valuation of the forest by surrounding inhabitants, fencing the forest area to reduce human-wildlife conflict; developing frameworks for access to microcredit services in each FDPCs and letting the community decide over the utilization of carbon revenue are, therefore, recommended measures to achieve positive livelihood impact at household level and thereby to ensure the sustainability of the forest management
Assessment of Agricultural Growth Program: the case of farming households in Gedeo Zone, Gedeb wereda, SNNPR
(Addis Ababa University, 2016-06) Gezahegn, Melkamu; Berhanu, Abeje (PhD)
The Agricultural Growth Program (AGP) is one of the development programs which are funded by the World Bank with the aim of improving production and productivity of small holder farming households with special emphasis for women and youth. It is, therefore, timely to investigate the services provided by the AGP in Gedeb wereda, Gedeo zone,SNNPR. The aim of the study was to explore the types of services provided by AGP, to investigate the variations among farming households in accessing the services provided by the program and to investigate the challenges faced by the farmers in their efforts to make use of the services provided by the program.The study employed a mixed method.Survey was used to gather data from 149 randomly selected heads of farming households in the study area. In addition, in-depth interviews were conducted with 6purposively selected farming households and key informant interviews were conducted with purposively selected kebele agricultural extension workers and AGP focal person in the study area. The study shows that there are variations in the level of access to AGP services by farmers in accordance with their socio-demographic and economic characteristics. As a result, the younger the age of respondents, the more they access the services from the program and vice versa. In addition, level of education had statistically significant effect on the tendency of farmers to access the services from the program; the higher the educational level of respondents, the more they access the services from the program. Farm land size also found to be significantly correlated with access to AGP services; the larger the farmland size, the more farming households access the services from the program.In addition to the above mentioned socio-demographic factors attitude of farmers found to be significantly correlated with the level of access to the services;the higher the level of access to the services provided by the program, the higher attitudinal score by the farmer. Different from the other variables, gender difference among farming households was found to be insignificant to the level of access to AGP services. The majority of respondents also raised different factors as a challenge that constrained them not to properly access the services from the program
An Assessment of the Amhara Credit And Saving Institution (Acsi) Lending Practices: The Case Of Kuarit Woreda, Amhara Region, Ethiopia
(Addis Ababa University, 2019-10) Yihunie, Sintayehu
Lack of access to credit is considered to be one of the major constraints the poor are confronted with when they are planning to make an investment. Hence, microfinance institutions intended to provide credit to those poor who are striving to improve their living situation but they have no access to credit services. Thus group lending is used as a mechanism to address the credit needs of those “active poor" by extending small loans in a group. So, studying the effectiveness of this method of lending is crucial. To this end, the main objective of this study was to assessing the Amhara Credit and Saving Institution lending practices taking Kuarit branch as a case with a special focus on group lending method. Specifically, the study looked into aspects such as nature of group formation, composition, and trust among group borrowers; the effectiveness of group lending method in including the extremely poor people; the contributions of the institutions’ loan on the clients living condition; challenges and opportunities of group lending method in comparison with other lending methods; and the reasons why clients use ACSI credit service rather than other sources of loan notably Equib, Mahiber, and money lenders. In doing so, the study employed methodological triangulation i.e. mixed-method research approach wherein the qualitative approach was the principal one. Consequently, the results of the study shows that, even though group lending method is thought to be an effective method to the inclusions of extremely poor people, still this model is not effective in comprising the poor since the borrowers create their own specific kind of collateral so as to reduce the costs from member's dropout. In addition, the study reveals that the trustworthiness of an individual within the group is determined by his/her physical asset status rather than their strong relationship or network within the group. The study further reveals that though group lending is the main loaning method by the institution, there are clients who have a greater preference for individual loans than borrowing in a group. The study also disclosed that clients preferred ACSI loans rather than loans from informal financial sources because in the latter case the amount of loan is too small, the interest rate is high, difficult to access lenders and a small amount of capital they have. From the results of the study one could fairly conclude that regardless of the group formation procedure and who the clients are, the credit service of the institution has assisted the borrowers. Yet, the benefits may vary from one client to another. Keywords: clients, group lending method, socioeconomic development.
The Ban on Inter-country Child Adoption in Ethiopia and its Impact on the Child’s Life.
(Addis Ababa University, 2020-10) Getachew, Bethlehem; Tefera (PhD), Zelalem
The objective of the study is to assess The Ban on Inter-country Child Adoption in Ethiopia and its Impact on the Child‟s Life. It examines the impact of the law banning inter country adoption has on the life of the children. The research design employed for this study is qualitative research design. The sources of data are literatures and in-depth interviews. On selection of the key informants, Non-probability, purposive sampling was used to identify the potential research participants. After acquiring an important findings the study reached at a conclusion that ICA should continue in Ethiopia being one the alternative child care opportunities. The hesitation of the adequacy of domestic options, the compromised quality of care in orphanages, the risk of living on the streets and those who need special care like Peoples with disabilities and other problems necessitate ICA to continue as a valid option in Ethiopia. Besides, ICA is not always problematic. There are plenty of stories where, through the loving care and support of adoptive families, babies and children separated from birth parents for whatever reason, be it death, poverty, neglect, violence or environmental catastrophe, thrive and develop into well-adjusted adults with their own individual sense of identity and belonging. Based on this conclusion the study finally recommends that Formalized ICA adoption should remain in place and accepted by the government of Ethiopia parallel to the domestic child care alternatives. Despite being an option that has been promoted by a number of external factors as the most advantageous for the protection and best interests of the child.
Beliefs and Practices of Traditional Medicine among Women in Reproductive Health Care: A study in Damot Woyde Woreda, Wolaytta Zone
(Addis Ababa University, 2022-05) Paulos, Yared; Murugan (PhD), P.
This study has been conducted with the major arm of investigating the beliefs and practices of traditional medicine in reproductive health care by emphasizing on rural areas. The reproductive health issues covered in this study are: prenatal care, delivery care, postnatal care, birth spacing service, abortion and STDs. In order to investigate the beliefs and practices, this study has employed a crosss ectional qualitative approach; and the data are collected by making use of in-depth interviews, FGDs and key -informant interviews. The study subjects were selected purposively with the help of health extension workers of each kebeles. Sixteen in-depth interviews with practitioners of traditional medicine; twenty-two and sixteen in-depth interviews with married and unmarried women in reproductive age, resp ectively; two FGDs consis ting of seven participants and two consisting of six participants with married and unmarried women (two with each of them); key informant interviews with health extension workers, a midwife in Badessaa health center, two senior citizens who are knowledgeable about the practice of reproductive health in the area, have been conducted to collect the primary data. Prenatal care, delivery care, abortion serVlce and treatment of STDs are among the major services that the rural women get from traditional medicine practitioners in relation to reproductive health; whereas birth spacing/control and postnatal care serVlces are among the services that are not as such significant. None of the reprodu ctive health problems is believed to be caused by supernatural forcers). And the practice of traditional medicine is not accompanied by the belief that the issues should be addressed by the practitioners because they are caused by the forces. Besides, it is widely believed that the knowledge that the practitioners have is learned from their parents, than being given by supernatural forcers). Practitioners known as TBA; TBA and wogesha; TBA and herbalist; TBA, herbalis t and wogesha; herbalist; and herbalist and wogesha are the practitioners who are engaged in provis ion of the reproductive health services. Traditional medicine and its practitioners have decisive place in the provision of reproductive health services in the rural areas.
The Buda:Belief System, Marginalization,and Traditional Healing Practices in Central Tigray
(AAU, 2012-11) Birhane, Mulugeta; Murugan, P. PhD
Research studies have shown that many traditional beliefs have faded out in the face of modernity and science. Yet. Africa is still home of many strange beliefs. There are a lot of traditional beliefs like witcheraft. Sorcery that seem to have stood the test of modernity. The belief in the evil eye is one of those beliefs. This study is about evil eye. Locally called Buda or Tebib.belief among people of central Tigray. Ethiopia.
Challenges and Livelihood Strategies of Urban Squatters in the Capital of Ethiopia-Addis Ababa: With Particular Reference to Bole Sub-City
(Addis Ababa University, 2020-11) Gammade, Nigussie; Negussie (PhD), Taye
The study was carried out in the Bole sub city of Addis Ababa-Capital of Ethiopia, focusing on the life of squatter settlers. The central aim was to assess their challenges and livelihood strategies of the people. The research employed purely qualitative approach by using observation, in-depth interviews with squatter settlers and key-informants interview as methods for producing data. The finding indicated that people in the squatter settlements of the study area face several challenges as a result of where they live and who they are. Being unauthorized resident is found to be the main challenge for squatters because it led them to feel fear and uncertainties about whether or not and when to be evicted and loss of properties as well as it results them to encounter marginalization from basic services and infrastructures/utilities. Squatters in the study site also have environmental problems as living in high proximity to hazardous places which endangers their life. They live alongside polluted river (smelling dirty running water) and in most of the places topography of settlements is sloppy and near hillsides that floods and landslides could get them badly during rainy seasons. On the other hand, squatter settlers have social ties designed to support each other to make a living and influence external threats including the government. Bonds are strong within the relatives/kin and with neighbors based on duration of stay in the dwelling, while ties of the rich squatters with government bodies/officials are found stronger. The prevalent feeling was that major inhabitants of the residents are low-income households who involve in informal economic activities and daily labor as source of income for living. Those low status households are more defenseless and suffer from several challenges of the squatter settlements. Squatters are also professionals and skilled people who work in governmental and non-governmental or private organizations and self-employed who were forced by the persistent lack of housing in the city. Another segment of the squatters is people who make a lot of money from informal transactions of plot of lands/houses even working as brokers. Those are less vulnerable though they are considered as the main actors in the expanding squatter settlements. Some unique behaviors identified in squatter settlers include: acting as old dwellers, pretending to be poor, being watchful of their dwelling and feeling of frustration toward visitors or non-residents. Government should carefully differentiate real poor, the most vulnerable squatters from others who are there to make an extra gain by involving in informal transactions of land and the house. The poor should be empowered and protected while others should be identified and barred from exploiting the resources. Prevention approach should be given more weights rather than depressing the settlements, because it is only effective against the poor squatters. In order to avoid the feeling of uncertainties from squatters and lessen path of corruption, the government should have clear and participatory decisions about what will happen to squatter settlements and the settlers Key words: Squatter settlers; challenges; livelihood strategies; squatter settlement.
Community’s Perceptions of Malaria and the Underlying Interventions for its Management and Control In Jimma Town, Oromiya National Regional State
(2008-07) Godesso, Ameyu; Teshome, Woldeab (PhD)
Malaria is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in Oromiya National Regional state. Its management and control depends on many factors, some of which have not been studied at the level of urban community. The objective of this study is to identify what households in Jimma Town community perceive to be the cause and symptoms of malaria and their treatment and control perceptions for malaria. A crosssectional study design was utilized employing both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods. A simple random cluster sampling procedure was used to select the ganda, after which the sample households were proportionally allocated to each ganda. Finally, interviews were conducted with 422 heads or representative of households. The study was conducted between March and April 2008. The study findings indicate that the community has multiple aetiologies for malaria. Of the 422 heads of households interviewed, 374 (88.6 percent) indicated mosquito as the cause of the disease. Other aetiological beliefs included: 269(70.4 percent) exposure to unhygienic conditions and 129(30.4 percent) cold weather as causes of malaria. And only about 3.8 percent indicated witchcraft. Many of the respondents (91.5 percent) could identify malaria by several correct symptoms. In the treatment of malaria, various health resources such as public health facilities, over-the counter medications, private clinics and herbal medicines are used. For first choice of care, many households used private health facilities. However, for poor households the other forms of treatment especially Jimma malaria control center and Jimma University Hospital seem to have been preferred. A recent strategy of malaria treatment, Home Management of Malaria, has lacked community support for its full implementation. For most 330(88 percent) of households the use of insecticide treated bed net was mentioned as the most widely practiced preventive method for malaria. Among these only 71.1 percent the households own the net currently. Weak intersectoral linkage, poverty, population movement and poor environmental management appear to be factors worsening malaria management and control in the Town. Thus, understanding community perceptions of aetiology, symptom identification and treatment and control of malaria is an important step towards the control of the disease
Conflict Management and Resolution Mechanisms: Among Afar: The Case of Dawe Woreda.
(Addis Ababa University, 2020-10) Edris, Hussen; Negussie (Ph.D.), Taye
This study focuses on conflict management and conflict resolution practices in DaweWereda of the Afar region of Eastern Ethiopia.The qualitative research design, which uses data collection methods including In-depth interviews, employed focus group discussion, and observation, was used to explore the most common conflict causes, conflict management, and conflict resolution practices, as well as the decision enforcement approaches of the Dawe people. The research used 20 people (8 people for FGD and 12 In-depth interviewees) from Dawewereda. The study found out that the most common causes of conflict mentioned were domestic violence such as conflict within the family, conflict by grazing land, theft, the incursion of one‟s territory,Dessó etc. It also found out that the most common conflict management practice is adherence to the practices that have been passed down through generations such as Mataaka, GarciKalot, Agatdacrisa, Giba/ Cuumi, and Ramli were clarified. The application of various punishment mechanisms enforced by the family head- usually the father, age mates, chief of clans, the council of Elders, and the Council of the Sultan was important conflict resolution methods used in DaweWereda. The study found a strong association between law enforcement and the need to be abided by the cultural practices of the people. Thus, it would be sensible to recommend that the need to reinforce and include the cultural conflict management and conflict resolution practices to the modern one in government institutions like the police and court.
Crime Victimization and Its Impact on Victims: The Case of Addis Ketema Sub-City, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
(Addis Ababa University, 2020-06) Kindu, Melesse; Teshome (PhD), Woldeabe
This study was conducted with the aim of exploring crime victimization and its impacts on victims in Addis Ketema. A retrospective cross-sectional research design and a qualitative research approach were employed. An in-depth interview, key informant interview and focus group discussion were conducted to collect the data for this study. The data analyzed through thematic and content analysis methods. The study shows that the types of crimes usually committed against the victims were burglary, larceny, snatching, battery, robbery and physical injury have been committed predominantly. The criminals usually look at the situation, season, at the time of the crime considering that they committed an action or event that works against victims by studying and looking at the victim's overall focuses and cautions. In this regard, victims were exposed for crime incidents because of their lifestyle, accessibility and carelessness and sometimes due to the techniques and methods, the criminals used that in an unthinkable manner and beyond the victims’ capacity or ability to defend. Crime on victims had social, psychological, physical and financial impacts. The findings of the study portrayed that crime adversely affects the victim’s ability to perform in the day-to-day activities and social life at large. When victims are vulnerable to crime incidents, as they tend to bear the extended burden of caring for their family and community. As result of crime victimization, the victims do not have trust on the police institution and police officers. The study also pointed out that Addis Ababa police commission does not have a victim treatment directive and regulation; because of this, police do not properly treat, support and serve the crime victims. Therefore, the police commission should prepare a victim treatment and handling law. Key words: Crime, Victimization, Crime Victim and Impact.
Current Attempts At Eradicating Begging From Public Places In Ethiopia: The Case Of Arada Ghiorghis Neighborhood
(AAU, 2010-07) Belay, Demelash; Admassie, Yeraswork (PhD
Begging is not a recent phenomenon in Ethiopia. The problem has been present in the country for more than a century. Despair and agony which are commonly associated with begging have been the constant companions of beggars in Ethiopia in general and its capital in particular. More specifically, the large number of beggars we see on the streets of Addis Ababa and the various places of worship in the city can be regarded as one of the most telling examples for describing the central characteristics of begging and what could be associated with it when it is seen in terms of its harshest manifestations. This study was conducted with the aim of aiding the effectiveness of current proposed and implemented attempts at eradicating begging from Ethiopia. By selecting the Arada Ghiorghis neighborhood as its area of particular reference, the study has tried to assess the attempts as well as the beggar and non-beggar attitudes towards them. The data needed for the study were collected from forty beggar and the same number of non-beggar respondents mainly using the cross-sectional survey design. However, when analyzed the data gathered using the survey method were triangulated with data obtained from in-depth interviews with beggars and responsible individuals in both governmental and non-governmental organizations, a Focus Group Discussion among beggars, information from the researcher's personal observation of the situations of beggars in the study area as well as secondary data from various sources. Accordingly, the findings of the study indicate that current implemented attempts to eradicate begging from Ethiopia, although they should be accorded recognition for .their concern for the improvement of the lives of beggars in the country, are characterized by a number of weaknesses ranging from inadequate effort and little willingness to work cooperatively with other parties working in the area of begging up to the employment of unsustainable (ineffective) strategies. However, the Social Development Fund of Ethiopia, which was analyzed by the study as a current proposed attempt to eradicate begging from the country, was found to be by far well designed and very likely to be more effective if it is made to include some of the recommendations suggested on the basis of responses from respondents of the study. Furthermore, findings from the inquires on the attitudes of both beggar and non-beggar members of the public in the study area towards attempts at eradicating begging from Ethiopia show that most of the respondents from both groups have positive attitudes towards the attempts.
Customary Land Ownership and Its Impact on Government Interventions: The Case of Peri-Urban Areas of Jig-Jiga Town
(Addis Ababa University, 2015-05) Ouma, Habtamu; Nigussie, Taye (PhD)
The main objective of this study was to assess customary land ownership, related issues and government interventions with their challenging nexus and policy implications: And a special reference was made to those peri-urban areas of Jig-Jiga town. The necessary data for the study were generated both from primary and secondary sources. Hence, in-depth interviews, key-informant interviews, focus group discussions (FGDs) and documentary reviews were the principal means of generating data from primary and secondary sources. The findings of this study confirmed that despite many challenges customary land (farm lands, pasture lands, fenced lands) and the economic advantages derived from them; the homogeneity and other attributes of the community, particularly in terms of ethnicity and culture; and attributes of the body of rules constituting the customary land holding system were the main factors that enabled the users to kept intact and held land resources over many generations under their customary clan system in the study area. Thus, based on the findings of the study, merging the two systems into one has been practically impossible to the local government thereby interventions were challenged at times when customary lands needed. This is because there has been absence of a well-defined legal framework that supports the customary system in the town. Furthermore, the finding has also showed that the existing customary rules let individual clan members to exercise absolute control over their respective land and to have more freedom to transact their land in the informal ways. In addition, the finding indicated that government encroachments‟ to those customarily owned lands has been also devastating to the customary land owners. Such interpositions enforced customary land owners to transact their land unofficially thereby paved also the way for informal land market in the town. Therefore, harmonizing the current gap between the customary land rights and the statutory tenure system is the only possible way out for coping up with all the challenges and problems revealed in the findings. Therefore, any intervention policy or measures that will be applied in those areas should be based on understanding and harmonizing the gap between the two land tenure systems
The Declining and Evolving Norms Of Nuer Community in Gamabella Town
(Addis ababa university, 2021-10) Marco, Anter; Teffera (Ph.D.), Zelalem
Norms are the practical and observable viewpoints of the whole culture. Living culture is measured and recognized when its elements are practiced by the native. Otherwise, unique components of its traits would result in decline and replacement or even disappearance. Today, Nuer culture in general and their norms in particular are rapidly changing in all aspects toward global culture. Contacts with other cultures and innovation from within keep moving continuous and observable changes. However, these changes brought about new and strange practices frustrating the life of Nuer community which call for study. Thus, the main objective of this study is to identify and asses the declining and evolving norms of the Nuer community residing in Gambella town. Methodologically, the study used mixed research approach. Multi- stage sampling method, i.e., a combination of purposive, quota and snow ball sampling techniques were used to determine the study population based on Slovin formula. Questionnaire, in-depth interview, focus group discussion and observation were used to gather the necessary data. The study found that long-standing norms of the Nuer community related to marriage, age-setting, gender roles, cultural parenting & folklore, social stigma, and naming system were rapidly declining over the past three decades with evolving new norms replacing them. Nowadays, individual based decisions pertaining to marriage, corporate roles, permissive parenting, and foreign and urbanized naming system are dominating. It was found that interplay of factors such as population growth, man-mad and natural disasters, migration, livelihood changes, government interventions, changing religious orientations, nascent technologies, education, urbanization and modernization are responsible for the changing cultural norms and declining values. The same factors catalyzed by young people, boys, women, educated, urban dwellers, religious people, divorced, children and government/NGOs workers were found to be responsible for the evolvement of new norms and values that increasingly influence the way of life of the community. It was also revealed that the changes brought by these factors produced mixed results. They affected the society both negatively and positively. On the one hand, they reduced the prevalence of traditional harmful practices while promoting positive aspects of gender equality. On the other, they engender negative impacts, particularly with regard to respect for the elderly, inter-generational collaboration and social cohesion. In comparative terms, however, the study found that negative impacts of value erosion outweighed the positive outcomes. Henceforth, the study recommends the maintenance of the positive indigenous cultural norms without compromising the role of the emerging ones. Moreover, this study calls for further detailed study on these topmost norms, especially the political culture of Nuer community in relation to other communities such as Anyuaa, Majang, Komo, and Oppo. Key words: Nuer community, marital norms, age-setting system, gender roles, social stigma, cultural parenting, folklores, and naming system, declining norms, and evolving norms.
Distribution of Common Grazing Land and Conflict among Diverse Claimant Groups: The Case of Arbawash-Dingira Kebele, Jabitehinan Woreda, West Gojjam Zone, Amhara Regional State
(Addis Ababa University, 2-03) Molla, Asabneh; Teshome, Woldeab (PhD)
This study was conducted with the general purpose of describing and explaining the disagreements and conflicts associated with the distribution of common grazing land in Arbawash Dingira Kebele. It particularly focused on finding out the purpose and criteria of distributing the common grazing land; the claimant groups, their bases of claim, resources and mechanisms of interest realization; the livelihood effect of, and the preference and attitude to the distributed common grazing land; and the various measures taken and their consequences in mediating the different interest groups. In order to answer all the specific objectives, research designs which have both qualitative and quantitative nature were used. Hence, particular methods of research, i.e. focus group discussion, key informant and in-depth interview, documentary research and survey were used in the study so as to meet the specific objectives. In implementing the survey method, a questionnaire was developed and administered to a total sample of 121 household heads who were selected from the two Gotts, Kattal and Seblan, which are respectively found in Arbawash Mariam and Arbawash Michael Nius- Kebeles. As the findings indicate, from the early (6 hectares of land was distributed in 1999/2000 E.C.) and late (21 hectares of land was distributed in 2003E.C1.) phases of distribution of the disputed common grazing land it was found that defending some groups and individuals who were plowing the common grazing land and getting benefit for rural households in the name of the church and for youth were the major purposes or reasons for distribution with various criteria. Though there was a situation where access was allowed for all, regardless of any criteria before, during and after the first time of distribution, later criteria became more formalized. In the early phase of the distribution, the claimant groups were the rural households of the three Nius-Kebeles. Later, however, the claimant groups were polarized into the rural households of the two Nius-Kebeles, Arbawash Mariam and Arbawash Michael with a various but contradictory bases of claim, mechanism and interest realization. The income obtained from the land, livelihood ratings, the preferences and attitudes of respondents to the distributed grazing land all indicate that most of the rural households in the two Nius-kebels seemed unsatisfied on the livelihood effect made by the distributed grazing land for which they have been in conflict. In solving the disagreements and conflicts on the different phases of the distribution, both legal and traditional mechanisms of conflict management had been implemented. However, the traditional mechanism of conflict management was more successful
The Dynamics of Interreligious Relations: Religious Diversity, Peaceful Coexistence and Tension in Jimma Zone, South Western Ethiopi
(Addis Ababa University, 2018-06) Amenu, Asebe; Tadele(Prof), Getnet
Interreligious relation is a dynamic and contentious issue in Ethiopia‘s multi-religious setting. This research focuses on investigating the factors promoting peaceful interreligious interactions in Jimma Zone, South Western Ethiopia, which is generally perceived of as an area of interreligious tensions and conflicts. Despite the global importance of religion nowadays, few academic works address the dynamism of interreligious relations, particularly the dualism of interreligious interaction: deep-rooted peaceful coexistence on one hand and emerging issues of interreligious tensions in a religiously diverse setting on the other. Previous literature underemphasizes the influence and interaction of socio-cultural networks and interreligious relations. Interreligious relation is not made in a vacuum, and recognizing this fact, the influence and interaction of multiple organs were underemphasized in the previous literature. This particular study was informed by the theory of functionalism and multiculturalism, which have been developed to explore social cohesion in a society divided along religious lines. Shaped by conflict and identity theories, multiple causes of interreligious disharmony were also explored. Thus, this study advanced understanding of interreligious relations from multiple viewpoints, contributing to collective actions against emerging threats of religious divide and tensions in the country. It employed mixed research approach, with a foundation on pragmatism or methodological pluralism. It was a cross-sectional study employing survey, in-depth and key informant interview, involving 384 residents in the survey along with 25 in-depth and 12 key informant interviews. The data collected from the field using multiple methods were analyzed using a mix of qualitative and quantitative methods of data analysis to arrive at comprehensive conclusions. The study found that socio-cultural factors strongly contribute to maintaining peaceful interreligious encounters. Indigenous socio-economic institutions such as iddir, ikub, and dabo contributed positively to binding Muslims and Christians together, and communal coffee ceremonies fostered neighborhood attachments irrespective of religious differences. The influence of social values gained from religious capitals and doctrines promoted peaceful interreligious coexistence in the study localities. However, recently, despite the deep-rooted existence of peaceful encounters, interreligious conflicts have emerged due to the revival of new religious groups, competition over religious preaching and converts, resource, and social/political dominance. It was also found that the relationship between religious institutions and the state was not clearly separated and even exacerbated by the government‘s interference in xiii religious affairs and labeling expansion and recognition of religion as political activism and radicalism. The contribution of other organs such as religious leaders, local elders, interreligious councils, and faith-based organizations was positive in shaping peaceful interreligious relations although the legal environment for their operation was not conducive. Overall, indigenous neighborhood networks need to be promoted and preserved to sustain a socially integrated society. There is an imperative for utilizing social and religious capital to promote a trusting environment, with interreligious understanding and dialogue at the local level.
The Effects of Flooding on Rural People and Their Response Strategies: The Case of Jor District, Gambella Regional State, Ethiopia
(Addis ababa university, 2021-10) Oguta, Agwa; Teshome, (Dr). Woldeab
Flooding is the most destructive type of natural disaster that strikes humans and their livelihoods system around the world (UN, 2012). However, it was believed that the flooding response‟s readiness and capacity among the affected communities, societies and countries has determined the level of flooding effects across the globe. In such a way, the level of flooding effects is depend on the level of economic capacity and skills required for effective response toward flooding hazards. It is, therefore, necessary to investigate the low socio- economic status of a given flood victim population in response to flooding hazard. As a result, this study was conducted with the objective of examining the effects of flooding on rural people and response strategies employed among the community living in the flood-prone areas of Jor district, Gambella Regional State, South western Ethiopia. In this regard, a cross- sectional survey design and mixed approach have been employed in order to address specific objectives. Due to the nature of flood vulnerability, 6 Kebeles were selected purposefully out of 15 kebeles with the sample sizes of 250 were selected randomly. In addition to households‟ survey, Key informant interviews, Focus group discussion (FGDs), Life histories, and observation instruments were also employed. The findings revealed that majority of the population lacks educational training and the necessary skillful (97%) as they are unskilled farmers and practice backward agricultural system with limited crop diversification mechanism. Besides, the findings also indicate that residing or settling in a flood prone area (68.8%) and lack of capacity for resiliency (58.4) were found out as the major underlying causes for community‟s vulnerability to flood hazard which brought significant effects on crop production (56%), livestock rearing (48%), housing permanency (56%) with over 7,000 people displaced, and in the social services delivery (76.4%). Moreover, the results with regard to community‟s coping mechanism substantiated that, relying on fishing, collection of wild plants, building muddy dykes, strengthening social networks and emergency support from external sources have been used as coping mechanisms. Furthermore, interviews made with heads concerned institutions have verified that lack of preparedness and prevention plans prior to flooding hazard; insignificant collaboration between the government and humanitarian organizations; and inconsistent supportive schemes from humanitarian organizations operating in the study area were the major obstacles to lessen the burden of victims. Thus, it can be suggested that, there is a need to devices both non-structural and structural mitigation measures Key words: Ethiopia, Flood, Hazard, Vulnerability, Jor district, Flood effects, and Response strategies
Existing Status of Informal Settlement in Addis Ababa: The Case of Kolfe Keraniyo and Nifas Silk Lafto Sub Cityv
(Addis Ababa University, 2022-07-01) Nasise Shafi; Taye Negussie (PhD)
In many developing countries like Ethiopia unemployment, poverty, poor living condition, lack ofgood governance are the major factors for the people to hold land informally. In the case ofAddis Ababa people occupy land both in the inner city and periphery areas but nowadays peoplemore prefer the peripheral area because in such areas it’s easy to hold land without thepermission of government official by dealing with land brokers and land speculators.The mainobjective of the study was to assess the current statues of informal settlement by looking up theirpattern and extent in kolfekeraniyo and Nifas silk lafto sub city. The research employedqualitative approach by using in depth interview, focus group discussion, observation and keyinformant interview as method of data collection. Informal settlers in the study area suffer frominadequate living conditions like lack of access to basic service and poor housing condition.Current political satiation also play great role in the expansion of informal settlement. Thefinding indicates that the number of informal settlement has been increasing at alarming ratefrom time to time this is due to unaffordable land price, unemployment, people perception ofland as means of making profit and poor urban land management system corrupt bureaucrat areamong the factors. In order to control the expansion of informal settlement government shouldformulate and implement clear and inclusive urban land holding policy. Key word: informal settlement; informal settler; natures of informal settlement
Experiences and Challenges of Young Ethiopian Female Domestic Workers in the Middle East; the Case of Migrant Returnees in Mekaneselam Town, South Wollo, Amhara Region
(Addis Ababa University, 2020-08) Asmare, Sindew; Asres (PhD), Kassahun
The problem of human migration is a world phenomenon that touches on a variety of economic, political, social and cultural aspects, influencing peoples in the current world. More than ever before, migration touches all countries and peoples in the time of increasing globalization. Nonetheless, little has been known regarding to the experiences and challenges of young Ethiopian female domestic workers in the Middle East, therefore, the main objective of this study is investigating the experiences and challenges of young Ethiopian female domestic workers in the Middle East, the case of migrant returnees in Mekaneselam town. Qualitative research approach was used so as to collect and analyze the data that obtained from in-depth interview, key informant interview and focus group discussions informants. To achieve the overall objective of the study, the researcher employed snowball sampling technique for in-depth and FGDs informants and purposive sampling techniques for key informant participants. This research also employee retrospective study designs to look the challenges and experiences of migrants from pre to return migration. The findings of this study showed that poverty and unemployment, conflict and violence, network of return migrants and hopelessness as the major motivating factors of young Ethiopian females to migrate to the Middle East. And also sexual abuse, religious abuse, psychological abuse, cheating, payment inequality, physical abuse, inadequate job options and cultural challenges were the major challenges of female migrants in the destination. Consequently, financial problem, Abuse at the time of journey, tiredness and sickness were the major challenges of migrants before and during migration. Separation of their marital partner and problem of rehabilitation were the other challenge of migrants after they return to their country. This study showed that families, government, religious institutions and non-governmental organizations did not adequately prepare to rehabilitate migrant returnees. As the study indicated false expectation of entry to marriage, deportation and family issues were the major causes for migrant‟s return. In general, this study concluded, religious disparity, gender, racial and ethnic differences as the major sources of young females burden in the Middle East. Moreover, this study recommended that the concerned bodies like religious institutions, political institutions, charity organizations and others should work cooperatively, in addition, the government should proposed specific policy to make accountable both legal and illegal brokers, since they are the major causes of young females suffering. Finally, this study suggested that the broadcast Medias should invest a lot towards the challenges of domestic migrants so as to maximize the awareness of communities towards the plights of young female migrant domestic workers pre to return migration. Keywords, Challenges, Documented Migrants, Domestic Work, Domestic Workers, Experiences, Middle East, Migrants, Undocumented Migrants, young females
Exploring Blood Revenge Practices and Communities Perception: The Case of Tedbabemariam Community In Saint Wereda Of South Wollo Zone
(Addis Ababa University, 2020-06) Wonduante, Mekides; Birhanu (P.H.D), Abeje
This study was intended to explore blood revenge practice and communities perception, to examine the cause, consequence, intervention mechanism, societies view and reasons for the continuation of blood revenge practice. To this end, relevant literature has been reviewed to shade light on the issue under study. This study employs a qualitative research approach, particularly key informant interview, in-depth interview, focus group discussion and case studies were used as tools for data collection in order to obtain the data needed for the study. Samples of 28 people are selected using a purposive sampling technique based up on their knowledge and experience on the issue under study. The findings of the study have shown that blood revenge practice caused family, economic and societal problems in the community. Disputes and conflicts arise because of land, alcoholism, tradition of having extra marital sexual practice. Land conflicts, society’s perception towards blood revenge practice and socialization process lead to disastrous effects on individuals as well as on group’s contribution to blood revenge among family members at the highest number. Regarding with contributing factor for continution of blood revenge practice still now blood revenge, weakening of indigenous mechanisms and poverty play crucial role. The number of people who lost their lives in blood revenge killing is huge in the community due to illegal weapon smuggling (SWCIO). So, from perspective of minimizing risk o of blood revenge, this study emphasizes the need to seriously take into account the impact of blood revenge upon the communities. The need to strengthen indigenous intervening mechanisms, providing continuous awareness, to reduce blood revenge wants emphasis. Key Words: Blood revenge, Dem adraki-Komite, conflict, Tedbabemariam community.

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