Federal Democratic Republic Research Articles

Systematic review of mitigation approaches in Ethiopia's energy sector: Strategies for sustainable development and climate resilience

Abstract The global energy sector is a primary contributor to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, predominantly through fossil fuel combustion for electricity, heating, and transportation (IEA, 2021). This study systematically reviews Ethiopia’s energy sector mitigation approaches, focusing on renewable energy strategies and energy efficiency initiatives. While Ethiopia has made significant progress in hydropower, accounting for over 90% of its electricity generation, challenges remain in diversifying its energy mix to include geothermal and wind energy (Ethiopian Ministry of Water, Irrigation, and Energy (2019) and African Development Bank, 2020). The Climate Resilient Green Economy (CRGE) strategy sets ambitious targets for achieving carbon neutrality by 2030, challenges remain in diversifying its energy mix to include geothermal and wind energy (Benti, Woldegiyorgis, et al., 2023 and Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, 2011), yet its implementation faces barriers, including financial constraints, technological gaps, and weak institutional capacity (Silitonga et al., 2020). The study highlights the potential of Ethiopia’s vast renewable energy resources, such as geothermal and wind, to enhance energy security and foster economic growth through job creation. Despite the hurdles, opportunities exist for scaling up mitigation efforts, particularly through public-private partnerships and improved policy frameworks. This review underscores the importance of addressing barriers to achieve a sustainable energy transition in Ethiopia, contributing to local and global climate mitigation goals. Thus, the policymakers should boost investments in solar, wind, and geothermal energy, reduce reliance on hydropower through incentives, and establish an inter-agency task force for policy alignment. And also, exploring green bonds and fostering human capital development through training and partnerships are essential. A strong monitoring and evaluation framework is crucial for tracking progress towards energy sustainability goals.

Intimate Partner Violence during the Index Pregnancy and its correlates among a panel of pregnant women in Ethiopia, evidence from performance, and monitoring for action (PMA) 2021 cohort two baseline survey

IntroductionCurrent intimate partner violence (IPV) in Ethiopia is considerably high. This study aimed at determining the prevalence of IPV among a panel of pregnant women during their index pregnancy and identify its correlates using Performance Monitoring for action (PMA) cohort 2 baseline data. Documenting the magnitude of IPV thus far during the index pregnancy and identifying factors affecting it contributes its share for the ministry and relevant developmental partners in tracking progress towards eliminating all forms of violence against women and girls by 2030.MethodsWe conducted a further analysis of national level follow up secondary data sets from Performance Monitoring for action Ethiopian (E_PMA). This study used PMA cohort two baseline data which enrolled pregnant and recently postpartum women and collected real time data on various sexual, reproductive, maternal and new born nationwide priority indicators using customized Open Data Kit Mobile application. These data were collected using standard pretested questionnaire prepared in three local languages (Amharic, Afan Oromo and Tigrigna) by well experienced resident enumerators. This study was restricted to 1,796 pregnant women at the enrollment. Frequency was computed to describe the study participant’s characteristics, and chi-square statistics was used to assess cell sample size adequacy. Multilevel binary logistics regression model building process was employed to identify correlates of IPV. Results were presented in the form percentages and odds ratio with 95% Confidence Intervals. Candidate variables were selected using p-value of 0.25. Statistical significance was declared at p-value of 0.05.ResultsOne in six; 16.7% (14.81%, 18.76%) pregnant women have reported experiencing at least one form of physical and/or sexual IPV thus far in their index pregnancy. The prevalence of encountering at least one form of sexual violence was 12.53% (10.91%, 14.35%) while 7% (5.5%, 8.3%) of them experienced at least one form physical intimate partner violence thus far during their index pregnancy. Women perceived risk about contraceptive use ((AOR: 95% CI: 1.66 (1.10, 2.47)), higher birth order ((AOR: 95% CI: 1.88 (1.05, 3.34)), unhappy emotional fertility intention when learned their index pregnancy ((AOR: 95% CI: 1.7 (1.02, 2.84)) and a family size of 4 to 5 ((AOR: 95% CI: 1.87 (1.11. 3.14)) were the fixed effects factors found to increase the odds of IPV significantly and positively. On the contrary, being in the third trimester of gestation at enrollment was another fixed effect variable which contributed for the 44% lower odds ((AOR: 95% CI: 0.56 (0.34, 0.92)) of experiencing IPV thus far in their index pregnancy.ConclusionsThe overall burden of IPV reported was high; with nearly double the percentage of women experiencing sexual violence during the index pregnancy compared to physical IPV. More work needs to be done to achieve zero tolerance against any form of violence among women and girls in general and among pregnant women in particular. Efforts targeted in improving women perception on issue related with their contraceptive use, counseling women on how to prevent IPV during their antenatal care (ANC) visit along with advising the use of inter pregnancy contraception and empowering them to control on their fertility are hoped to mitigate such considerably higher odds of IPV among pregnant women. Further programs and intervention on awareness creation towards the misconception that women held about contraceptive use would contribute much. These activities and efforts need to target younger women. The implication of the findings calls key actors and the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia Health Minster to design and implement programs on women emotional fertility readiness and empowering them to control over their fertility through diversified contraceptive provision which is critical in combating the reported substantial IPV experience during pregnancy. Creating institutional capacity in the health system through strengthening and expanding one stop centers to provide medical treatment, care, and psychosocial support for victims and survivors could play a pivotal role. In addition, installing rapid referral system and linkage to the legal system could play a vital role. Moreover, working on early marriage and counseling on childbirth; and spaced pregnancy for those young couples is imperative. Further implication of this study was installing contraceptive and violence related preconception care packages in the health system is very critical in the combat against IPV and any form of gender based violence.

The Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia

The Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia

Evaluation of Efficacy of Certain Pesticides and Black Plastic Mulch as an Approach of Developing Integrated Pest Management for Melon Fruit Fly (Bactrocera cucurbitae)

A field experiment was conducted at Pyuthan Municipality, Pyuthan district of the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal to develop an integrated pest management strategy against melon fruit fly (Bactrocera cucurbitae). The experiment was laid out in two factorial Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). The first factor was different doses of pesticides; Spinosad (45% SC) @ 1ml/3l water, Cypermethrin (10% EC) @5ml/20l water and, botanical Jholmol @ 1:3 ratio (1 part Jholmol and 3 part water). The second factor was Black plastic mulch and no mulch. The pesticides were applied at 9 day intervals and data on fruit infestation, ovary damage, yield and, post-set damage were collected at 3 day intervals and the data analysed using R Studio. The result revealed highly significant differences among mulching and non-mulching plots. Mulching plots had the lowest fruit infestation (3.95%), lowest ovary damage (0.88%), lowest post-set damage (2.38%) and, higher yield per plot (21.25 kg) than non-mulched plots. Highest protection against melon fruit fly was observed by Spinosad at the third spray; percentage of fruit infestation (3.71%), ovary damage (0.76%) and yield (20.20 kg/plot) followed by Cypermethrin and Jholmol. The highest protection was obtained by the application of Cypermethrin (1.78%) at the post-set stage followed by Spinosad and Jholmol. The application of Spinosad, Cypermethrin alone with black plastic mulch provided superior protection than Jholmol and control. However, the pest reduction and yield observed on the treatments with the combination of Jholmol and black plastic mulch was satisfactory (21.87 kg/ha) than control (14.58 kg/ha). Int. J. Appl. Sci. Biotechnol. Vol 12(3): 126-136.

The conflict between the Tigray People Liberation Front (TPLF) and the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (FDRE): Special emphasis on the Pretoria Agreement

ABSTRACT The Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (FDRE) and the Tigray People Liberation Front (TPLF). The war broke out in Ethiopia's Tigray National Regional State in November 2020. This war was concluded by Pretoria's cessation of hostility agreement. However, this agreement has been facing problems. Accordingly, this study examines this Conflict by placing special emphasis on the Pre-Pretoria Agreement and the challenges of the Post-Pretoria Agreement. Besides, a qualitative research approach with primary and secondary data sources was used. In view of that, the post-Pretoria peace deal has faced various problems due to the presence of contested areas such as Wolkite and Raya between the Amhara and Tigray Region; the failure of demobilization of former young fighters of the Tigray region; and the discriminatory process of the Pretoria agreement, which in turn led to the escalation of a fresh Conflict in the Amhara National Regional State. Hence, appropriate political decision based on historical evidence could answer the questions of the people, proper inclusion of all parties of the conflict in the peace process and all inclusive political negotiations could assure sustainable peace and security.

Unequal Inaccessibility in Health Services Reason for Rural Migration: An Application of Lee's Push Pull Theory

Rural-to-urban migration has been a growing phenomenon in recent years in Nepal. Federal Democratic Republic Nepal is combating the unequal distribution of resources, power and opportunities induced by a unitary and centralized government in the past. The aim of restructuring the state was to eliminate the uneven distribution of services, power and resources distribution in terms of region. Now, Nepal is implementing three levels of governments- federal, provincial, and local government to eliminate existing inequalities and to make powerful local areas. In this sense, rural-urban migration is not a growing phenomenon but is now a reverse situation. Local governments are developing in the local areas, the local people are migrating to cities. So, the objective of this paper is to apply the push-pull theory of migration and interlink Lee's theory and the distribution of health services in rural areas including Diprung Chuichumma Rural Municipality, Khotang. It is based on the positivistic philosophy and its approach is deductive approach. The causes of rural-to-urban migration are both push-pull factors. Unequal inaccessibility in health services between rural and urban areas is the main reason for migration.

The Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia

The Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia

An Exploration of Ethiopian Technical and Vocational Training Institute English Teachers’ Views and Classroom Application of Student-Centered Learning Principles

This study examined the perceptions and practices of Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopian Technical and Vocational Training Institute English teachers regarding student-centered learning. Interviews, focus group discussion and classroom observations revealed that while teachers generally hold positive attitudes towards student-centered approaches, their actual classroom practices often remain teacher-centered, heavily relying on textbooks and overlooking trainees' interests. The study identified several challenges, including a lack of practical skills for implementing student-centered methods, the constraints of summative assessments, and the need for continuous formative feedback. Addressing the gap between theory and practice will require professional development that integrates practical experience and the implementation of flexible policies that support teacher autonomy and curricula tailored to trainees' needs. These findings provide valuable insights into the contextual challenges faced by educators and suggest ways to better align teaching practices with the evolving demands of the workforce through ongoing improvement and localized responsiveness.

Rethinking Curriculum through Trainees' Eyes: Investigating Perceptions of Technical and Vocational Trainees' English Proficiency

This study investigates English language proficiency and difficulties among trainees at Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia Technical and Vocational Training Institute (TVTI). As English proficiency becomes increasingly vital for career success, particularly in technical fields like garment and apparel fashion, understanding the specific language needs within the Ethiopian TVET context is crucial. Using a mixed-methods approach, data were gathered from 108 trainees through questionnaires, observations, and interviews. Quantitative data were analyzed with SPSS 25, and qualitative data with NVivo. Results indicated that writing is perceived as the most challenging skill, with variability in responses influenced by individual factors. Note-taking, technical reports, and understanding instructions were also rated as difficult. These findings align with previous research, emphasizing the impact of cultural and confidence factors on language perceptions. The study underscores the importance of contextualized skill development to meet the technical terminology demands in this context.

Prohibiting Political Party Membership as a Condition for Receiving Political Service Retirement Benefits under Ethiopian Law: A Comparison with Kenya and Tanzania

AbstractThis article questions the justification for restricting political party membership as a condition for receiving political service retirement benefits in Ethiopia (a restriction first imposed through the Administration of the President of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia Proclamation and endorsed in the Rights and Benefits of Outgoing Heads of State and Government, Senior Government Officials, Members of Parliament and Judges Proclamation). After reviewing relevant law, literature and comparative experience from Kenya and Tanzania, the article argues that prohibiting political party membership without a pressing need for non-partisan service is an unjust restriction on the right to freedom of political party membership. Benefits for retiring high-ranking government officials are part of the right to social security and should not be disallowed based on political party membership.

Politics of Secularism in Ethiopia: Repression or Co-option towards the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahido Church?

Secularism in Ethiopia has not been practiced as stipulated in the 1995 Constitution of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (FDRE): separation of state and religion. Instead, consecutive regimes, since the introduction of secularism, have employed a tactic of co-option and repression towards the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahido Church (EOTC) to meet their political objectives. This research article addresses the nature and manifestation of government intervention in the EOTC through either co-option and/or repression, with a special emphasis on the post-2018 regime. The study argues de-facto secularism in Ethiopia is far from the essence of separation of state and religion; it is a new version of religion industriously implemented by governments to upgrade the Orthodox Church in a way that fits with the political system. The secular regimes co-opted and repressed the church conditionally at any cost to the institution through a Machiavellian approach. The study also finds that the prosperity-led regime was actively involved in the internal affairs of the church in the early days through co-option in the name of reconciliation with the exile synod. In the later days, via repression, massive killings of orthodox followers, burning of churches, and restrictions on the church's annual ceremony, as in the case of Epiphany and Meskel (Demera), the regime oppressed the church.

Legislative Power over Mineral Resources in the Ethiopian Federation: Legal and Practical Challenges

The assignment of legislative power over mineral resources is a highly contentious issue in federal constitutional design. This article aims to shed light on this issue by examining the assignment and exercise of legislative powers over mineral resources in the Ethiopian Federation. A qualitative research approach was used which included analysis of laws, examining documents and in-depth interviews. The legal framework, policy documents, and decisions of government officials relating to legislative authority over mineral resources were scrutinized. Furthermore, interviews were conducted with key stakeholders involved in the matter to gain an understanding of the actual challenges and difficulties associated with the exercise of this power. An integrated data analysis approach is used. According to the analysis, the Constitution of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia lacks clarity regarding legislative power over mineral resources. The study also reveals significant gaps in the institutional and legal frameworks governing the exercise of legislative power over mineral resources. These gaps have also resulted in the development of a legal framework that contradicts the principles laid out in the Constitution. The findings highlight the need to address the legal and practical challenges within the Ethiopian Federation.

The Politics of Secularism in Ethiopia: Repression and/or Co-option towards EOTC

Secularism in Ethiopia has not been practiced as stipulated in the 1995 Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (FDRE) constitution, separation of state and religion. Instead consecutive regimes since the introduction of secularism employed a tactic of co-option and repression towards the Ethiopia Orthodox Tewahido Church (EOTC) to meet their political objectives. This paper thus tried to address the nature and manifestation of government intervention in the EOTC through either cooption and/or repression with a special emphasis on the post 2018 regime. The study argues de-facto secularism in Ethiopia is far from the essence of separation of state and religion; it is a new version of religion industriously implemented by governments to upgrade the Orthodox Church in a way that fits with the political system. The secular regimes co-opted and repressed the church conditionally at any cost of the institution through Machiavellian approach. The study also finds that the Prosperity led regime was actively involved in the internal affairs of the church; in early days through co-option in the name of reconciliation with the exile synod. And in the later days via repression; massive killing of orthodox followers, burning of churches and restriction on church’s annual ceremony the like epiphany are the manifestations.

The Performance of Local Governments in Kaligandaki Rural Municipality of Syangja District, Nepal: An Assessment

Since the establishment of the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal, the Constitution of Nepal 2015 has given the local governments a great deal of power and authority. Consequently, a lot of changes have been noticed in most of the local levels. The present study is about the performance level of local government of Kaligandaki Rural Municipality of Syangja District in Gandaki Province, Nepal. The main issues and objectives that encouraged this study are to identify the types of achievement the local government has made during its tenure from 2017 to 2022, and to explain how it has accomplished the performance. The government has carried out different development activities related to public goodness in the study area. The activities related to passing and enacting laws, and improving education, drinking water, health care, insurance, farming, roads, irrigation, job opportunities and people’s increased participation in decision-making level have been successfully implemented. The study demonstrates that the local leaders of this municipality have accomplished their tasks among the grassroots by encompassing inclusive development models. The findings of the study conclude that besides exercising democratic practice and democratic institutionalization, the local government has displays high level of performance regarding local development in this rural municipality, and this performance indicates the significance of empowering local levels in Nepal.

Do gender disparities in socioeconomic status affect Teff productivity? A comparative analysis in Ethiopia

Ethiopia is one of Africa’s fastest-growing economies, and the recent political and economic reforms recognize the importance of empowering women and increasing their labour force participation. The Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (FDRE) constitution of 1995 recognized women’s right to equality and provides intervened to enable women to compete and participate in all spheres of life and to exercise their rights on equal grounds with men. Gender empowerment and gender equality are given national priority and positioned at the centre of all policy, legal, and institutional frameworks. Research suggests that women remain overrepresented in lower-skilled jobs, while carrying out the bulk of unpaid care work. Women also face multiple forms of deprivation, gender-based discrimination, lack of access to productive resources, intimate partner violence, lack of education and training, and employment. Persistent inequalities in ownership and control over assets, such as land, houses, and oxen negatively affect their productivity and livelihoods. This paper aims at answering the question “Do gender disparities in socioeconomic status affect Teff productivity in Ethiopia?” Using mixed methods, the study conducted a cross-sectional household survey. Purposive sampling was used to select top Teff-producing regions, districts, Kebeles, key informants and FGD participants while a random sampling method was used to select the survey respondents. Results suggest that, although women were fully engaged in Teff production activities, due to a low level of ownership of productive resources such as land, labour, and oxen, there is a statistically significant difference in Teff production between female and male-headed households which needs the attention of the government and stakeholders. The paper contributes to understanding how gender-based disparities in socioeconomic status affect Teff production.

Statehood exercises in Ethiopia and their jurisprudential significance: clarifying normative hurdles and addressing empirical challenges

ABSTRACT This paper discusses the unconditional right to self-determination claim of ethnic groups under the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (FDRE) Constitution, and how the demands for statehood have been handled since 2018. Using the Sidama and South-Western Ethiopian Peoples (SWEP) statehood exercise, this paper highlights the main issues and challenges concerning the process of claiming and achieving internal statehood. These include the principles of who has the right to vote in a statehood referendum, the matter of ethnic clustering to claim statehood, protecting the rights of minorities, the challenge of merging geographically distant Nations, Nationalities and Peoples (NNPs) into states, the transfer of power to the new state, and the division of assets and liabilities once a statehood claim is approved. It concludes that whilst the Constitution is flexible and allows for innovation, the Sidama and SWEP experiences demonstrate that it is now time for a review of the Constitution.

FROM FORMATION TO REDEFINITION: EXPLORING THE PRINCIPLES OF CONSTITUENT UNIT BOUNDARY (UN)MAKING IN THE ETHIOPIAN FEDERATION

This article examined the principles underlied the (un)making of constituent unit boundaries of the Ethiopian federation from its inception in 1992 until its redefinition in 1994. It organized the data using various media reports, retrieved life experiences from seven purposely chosen Key Informant Interviews, and conducted a qualitative analysis of documents. Accordingly, it revealed eight (8) principles that were utilized in the establishment of interregional states’ boundaries in Ethiopia, including the “four principles” enshrined in the 1995 Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (FDRE) Constitution and the principles of agreement among and/or between adjacent nationalities, ethnoterritoriality, ethnoculturality, and ethnolinguisticity. It also revealed historical considerations and informal agreements between officials. It was discovered that the political objectives of ethno-national groupings dictated the implementation of these principles. It is discovered that interregional state boundaries making of the 1992 had a paramount ramifications for nationality groups’ ability to safeguard, promote, and preserve the ethnonational groups’ identities.

Watershed management in Ethiopia and its effects on soil quality and productivity

Indigenous peoples have utilized watershed management techniques for ages. It has substantial ramifications for improved productivity and improved soil management. This essay examined Ethiopia’s soil quality and production improvements as they relate to watershed management strategies. In particular, the roles of the government and other partners who started soil and water conservation initiatives are described. These initiatives had unsatisfactory or unsuccessful results because the community was not involved, the land was held insecurely, there were disincentives, and the planning units were too large. Ethiopia’s Federal Democratic Republic has copied community-based participatory watershed management. It has had a great impact on the restoration of highly damaged areas and provided local populations with a source of income. For instance, Amhara, the Oromia, and Tigray Regional States’ well-managed watersheds of the Abraha Atsbaha, Gerebshelela, Bechyti, Goho Cheri, Kereba, and Bedesa Kela rivers have boosted agricultural incomes and food security. Additionally, the environmental soundness, commercial feasibility, and social acceptability of watershed management must be assessed.

Changing Caste Relations in Mudkhu Bhanjyang: An Anthropological Overview

This article attempts to analyze the changing caste relations in recent years in Mudkhu of Tarkeshwor Municipality of Kathmandu. Nepal has been declared a Federal Democratic Republic State; the political transformations have been made. Through a transformative process in Nepal, many existing social norms and patterns have been changed and some others have been reformed. With changing conditions of social structure and cultural practices, the Nepali caste system is also being changed. The rigidity of the caste system is changing. Due to various reasons and efforts flexibility is being taken place against caste-based discrimination in society. In recent decades, the structure and the functioning of the caste system and its economic and social aspects have greatly changed. There is an increase in class consciousness and a decrease in caste consciousness. It is, perhaps, because of the educational system, modernization, changing livelihood strategies etc.

The Role of Community-Based Health Insurance in Empowerment of Women’s Health and Economic Rights in Ethiopia

The guarantee of fundamental health and economic rights and the role of gender equality are still relevant and quotidian topics, especially in developing countries. Despite the constitutional guarantees within the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, women’s status remains significantly lower than men’s, primarily due to lower income, limited access to education, and various social constraints. Due to the absence of social security, health insurance and lack of financial autonomy and self-sufficiency, females often could not access healthcare independently. This situation is changing for women and their families in Ethiopia. The study aims to assess the role of community-based health insurance (CBHI) in fostering the health and economic empowerment of women’s rights. The CBHI proves to be an effective means of social security that boosts the provision of health services to members of susceptible peoples, which can improve health knowledge, preventative healthcare measures, and maternal and child mortality rates. This initiative can considerably increase women’s access to healthcare services while also providing them with chances for economic empowerment. Those women who are CBHI members spend less on healthcare (reducing out-of-pocket healthcare expenditures), allowing them to increase household income and allocate more resources towards other household expenses or savings. Due to the enrolment, women and other parts of their families have the opportunity for decision-making power and freedom to decide about their health because of financial constraints. Increasing access to the CBHI programs and ensuring that these are accessible to all women and other marginalised communities can help address gender disparities in healthcare access and economic opportunities, ultimately leading to a more equitable society.