The Contribution of Faith Based Organizations in Alleviating the Urban Poverty of Addis Ababa a Case Study of Three Faith Based Organizations
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Date
2008-01
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A.A.U
Abstract
The number of urbanites in Ethiopia is small when compared to the total number of
Population; and out of the total number of urbanites a significant proportion lives under
Poverty. Addis Ababa has the lion's share of the number of urbanites of the country as well
As the urban poor in the country. Basically, urban poverty is characterized by high
Unemployment and crime rate, poor sanitation, poor infrastructure, malnutrition, slum
houses and areas, inability to send children to school, lack of reliable income, etc.
The Prevalence of these characteristics of urban poverty has been increasing from time to
Time in the City. Reducing this level of poverty is not an easy task and requires the
concerted efforts of all segments of the society. Faith Based organizations are part of the
Society and they have tremendous potential in promoting community participation and
mobilization of resources. In view of this, the study is conducted to assess their
contribution in reducing the level of poverty in Addis Ababa. The study has focused on the
intervention of the FBOs through sponsoring and participating in income generation
activities. The study is conducted on three FBOs namely, The Ethiopian Orthodox Church Child
And Family Affaires Organization(EOC-CFAO), Ethiopian Islamic Affairs Supreme
Council-The Ethiopian Muslims Development Agency (EIASC-EMDA) and The Ethiopian
Kalehiwot Church-Medan Acts Project. (EKHC-Medan Acts)
It has been learned that about 502 individuals have benefited from the income generating
activities of the FBOs, and they are enabled to create employment and generate income.
The organizations have been providing vocational skill training, and/or seed money. Some
20% of the IGA beneficiaries were selected for the study and the data required for the
study have been collected from both primary and second GlY sources.
The survey has indicated that a large proportion of the respondents have experienced
substantial increase in their periodic income . It is also learned that the beneficiaries were
able to send back their children to School!. The scale of operation and the sustain inability of
the IGA , however, are highly tied up with the availability of donors. The institutions also
have capacity limitation to undertake large scale projects. Furthermore , the absence of
proper monitoring and follow -up mechanisms, well developed documentations, and joint
action (partnership) with government institutions are some of the factors hampering the
institutions' operation.
The study, whose major aim is strengthening the contribution of FBOs in fighting poverty,
has put forward the following recommendations:
• The leaders of FBOs should do Their level best 10 increase The institutional and human
resource capacities of the organizations.
• Financiers (donors) should look into the possibilities of increasing the scale of
Operation of the FBOs and should not attach their financing plan to short term projects
Only.
• The alleviation of urban poverty requires a joint and concerted action of all segments of
The society. Therefore, the FEOs should work in collaboration and consultation with
Governmental, non-governmental and civic organizations.
Description
Keywords
Based, Organization