Analyzing Policy Formulation and Implementation: The Case of Ethiopian National Youth Policy

Esubalew Aman

doi:10.7176/ppar/11-3-01

Abstract

This paper set out to analyze policy formulation and implementation process of Ethiopian National Youth policy. To this end, the study was conducted on both national and Central Gondar zonal levels. A qualitative approach was employed to collect and analyze the data needed to address the aforementioned objectives. Accordingly, the study has employed document analysis to analyze policy formulation process. In addition, to analyze policy implementation process at zonal level, key informant interviews were held with two officers working at Central Gondar zonal office. Furthermore, the study has employed two different types of analytical framework to address central issues of the study. On the one hand, Value Critical Policy Analysis Framework was employed to analyze the policy formulation process. On the other hand, Copeland and Wexler (1995) Implementation Analysis Framework was employed to analyse the policy implementation process.The study began by analyzing the policy formulation process on the basis of the six policy elements of value critical analysis framework. The National Youth Policy of Ethiopia is formulated in a professional manner. The study shows some hitch in the process of policy formulation such as; while stating vision and goal of the policy, the policy document fails to include reference of time parameter as to when to achieve the stated goal of the policy. In addition, the study found the policy document ignoring to discuss the importance and inclusion of youth participation in decision making process of the policy implementation. Besides, considering financing methods the study ravels that nothing is mentioned in the policy document about the source of funding to carry out the policy functions.The policy implementation analysis was conducted on the basis of Copeland and Wexler (1995) Implementation Analysis Framework. The policy implementation analysis focuses on themes such as enabling legislation and regulations, organizational structure, organizational process, and program performance. Keywords: Ethiopian Youth Policy, Central Gondar, Policy Formulation, and Policy Implementation. DOI: 10.7176/RHSS/11-3-01 Publication date: February 28 th 2021

Highlights

There is no agreement upon definition on the term youth across countries of the world
Eligibility rules determine; who gets what? How much? and under what conditions? policy document is an important source of eligibility for this. As it is stated on the national youth policy of Ethiopia, part of the society who are between [15,16,17,18,19,20,21,22,23,24,25,26,27,28,29] years are entitled to get an equal opportunity in building democracy, promoting good governance and socio-economic development of the country, and get benefits from the result fairly
The greatest ideas for ameliorating social problems will fail if there are not appropriate funding streams in place to bring them to reality (Chambers & Bonk, 2013). Considering this nothing is mentioned in the policy document about the source of funding to carry out the policy function

Summary

Introduction

There is no agreement upon definition on the term youth across countries of the world. 3. Methodology The study aims to analyze the formulation and implementation process of Ethiopian Youth Policy at country level in general and Central Gondar Zone in particular. Methodology The study aims to analyze the formulation and implementation process of Ethiopian Youth Policy at country level in general and Central Gondar Zone in particular To this effect, the study has employed document analysis for investigating the nature of a policy document in order to look at both what lies behind it and within it. The study has employed document analysis along with key informant interviews to analyze the policy implementation process at both country level and Central Gondar zone. Value Critical Policy Analysis Framework was employed to analyze the policy formulation process. Key informant interviews were conducted to collect primary data and analyze policy implementation process at zonal level

Goals and Objectives of the National Youth Policy of Ethiopia

Fit Of Goals And Objectives With The Social Problem Analysis

Form of Benefits and Services Delivered

Power Over Decisions

Entitlement or Eligibility Rules

Fit With Social Problem Analysis

Financing Method

10. Somali

Discussion and Conclusion