Simane, Belay ProfessorIsa, Samuel2021-12-222023-11-182021-12-222023-11-182021-08http://etd.aau.edu.et/handle/12345678/29387The research was conducted to identify policy and strategy gaps, stakeholders engagement in REDD+ implementation processes, institutional alignment challenges and financial resource utilization gaps related to REDD+ program implementation in Oromia Region. Because there was no research conducted specifically on the above-mentioned issues. In particular, the study deals with the status of REDD+ implementation effectiveness in the Oromia region, REDD+ policy objectives and policy instruments, financial resource management efficiency and transparency of the REDD+ implementation, and lastly state the stakeholder's engagement in REDD+ implementation. The study was conducted using a fully qualitative research design. The units of analysis of the study were from the Oromia REDD+ Implementation project the professionals, wereda officials from both technical and steering committees, and local communities from Nekemte and Chancho coordinating Centers. In doing so, Focused Group Discussion participants and key interview informants were selected through probability and nonprobability sampling (multi-stage sampling and purposive sampling respectively). The data were collected through semi-structured interviews, Focused Group Discussion, observation, and document analysis. Finally forwards possible recommendations are presented in the last chapter. The data was presented, interpreted, and analyzed qualitatively by narrative. The finding of the study showed that the status of the implementation is challenged by the absence of a legitimate and coherent strategy. Consequently, REDD+ implementation in Oromia as well as at national level is led by the Climate Resilient Green Economy strategy. There are also federal proclamations that directly contradict the goal of the REDD+ program. Therefore, the absence of legitimate and coherent national/regional strategy made the REDD+ project implementation source of contention. Regarding institutional arrangements, Federal Environment Forest and Climate Commission found it difficult with Commission level Capacity to lead institutions with ministerial portfolios. This institutional arrangement problem is a bit better at regional level as it is led by regional vice president office. Financially, REDD+ project implementation at wereda level ignored to do the external auditing to improve efficiency and transparency of the financial utilization of the project and only internal audit is constantly conducted at woreda level. The finding has showed that REDD+ implementation is not underway in a way that benefits the local communities. The local community are not allowed to use the forest as farmland, grazing land, the forests for construction material, even are not allowed to use the forest for firewood, or not given other means of livelihood even if there is immense demand for the above listed needs. Similarly there are national proclamations that are directly in contradiction with REDD+ implementation. These include the Forest Proclamation 456/2005 and Environmental Impact Assessment proclamation 299/2002. Institutional arrangement such as including Ministry of Foreign Affairs in national steering and technical committee, giving the leadership of the national and regional REDD+ implementation program to Prime Minister Office and President Office are critically important. Now the national Environment, Forest and Climate Change Commission is leading the implementation of the program at Federal level so that the commission is expected to coordinate big ministries such as Ministry of Agriculture to implement the REDD+ program. Regionally it seems better as the vice president office is leading the program implementation. Regarding financial resource utilization, only 69% of the 2020 budget year finance were used and this was attributed to instability in Oromia region especially West wollaga and Guji zones. On the other hand, even if external and internal audits are mandatory at federal, regional and Woreda level, there is no external audit conducted at Woreda level. Ethiopian government, till to date, is contributing nothing financially for the better implementation of the REDD+ program. Generally speaking the REDD+ implementation in Oromia region is ineffective due to the above mentioned bottlenecks.enImplementation, Legitimacy, Coherency, Stakeholder, Institution, Local Community, FinanceThesis