Achievements and Challenges of Cluster Level Associa tions (CLAs) in Addis Ababa : The case of CLAs in ' Addis Ketema' sub city
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Date
2015-11
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
This study aims to analyze the achievements and challenges of Cluster Level Associations
(CLAs) in Addis Ababa, specifically in'Addis Ketema' subcity. Self-help group approach (SHG)
has appeared as popular method of working in recent years, this approach is a three tier people's
institution: SHG, CLA and Federation. One SHG constitutes between 15-20 poor and socially
marginalized women, CLA is a network of8-10 strong SHGs and Federation is a town/local
level people's apex institution that represents the entire community. By the time this study is
conducted the largest numbers of CLAs are located in Addis Ababa. Out of the hundred CLAs
in Addis Ababa, more than 50 CLAs are located in Addis Ketem sub City. Hence, considering
the large number of CLAs in Addis Ketema Sub city, five CLAs to be assessed from this sub city
by employing purposive and random sampling technique. Accordingly, data was collected from
ten leaders of CLAs and five program staffs of SHG promoting organizations by employing
interview instrument, and FGD was conducted with twelve CLA members. Moreover, data was
also gathered through observation and document review. As the finding of the study proves,
CLAs are involved in strengthening and forming SHGs, planning and implementing need based
projects, taking up different social issues in their communities and taking up administrative roles.
While performing these roles, the CLAs are facing challenges which are hindering their
performance; one of the basic challenges is connected to legal identity that is; the CLAs being
informal institutions without legal identity. Furthermore, the study also identifies opportunities to
strengthen the functioning of CLAs. And Social work implication and recommendation were
made based on the findings.
Keywords: Cluster Level Associations, Self Help Group
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Keywords
Cluster Level Associations, Self Help Group