Ethiopian Journal of Development Research

The role of social capital in adaptation to climate change shocks: Ethiopia’s experience

Getahun Fenta — 2024-09-16

Ethiopia, like many sub-Saharan African countries, frequently experiences climate change-induced shocks, particularly droughts and floods. These events severely impact the well-being of people, especially in rural communities. While the country struggles to recover from these shocks, studies consistently highlight the importance of access to critical resources in building climate resilience and strengthening adaptive capacity. This study focuses on social capital, an often overlooked yet crucial resource, and its role in mitigating the effects of climate change shocks and facilitating adaptation in Ethiopia. Utilizing a probit regression model based on data from 4951 households in the 2015/16 Ethiopian Socioeconomic Survey, the study found that households with greater social capital (measured by iddir membership, borrowing, and transfers) are less likely to be affected by drought shocks. Furthermore, stronger social capital is associated with reduced vulnerability to climate shocks and increased adaptive capacity. These findings suggest that social capital can serve as an alternative approach to supporting climate change responses in Ethiopia, especially where access to formal insurance schemes is limited. However, further research is needed to explore the specific mechanisms through which social capital fosters resilience and adaptation.

Yield Effects of plot-level Korra Tef (Eragrostis tef) seed rate in Central Ethiopia: Application of the dose-response model

Solomon Zewdu — 2024-09-16

Ethiopia's government and development practitioners have encouraged the utilization of improved tef (Eragrostis tef) varieties to increase crop production. However, apart from introducing improved tef varieties, more needs to be known about the plot-level yield effects of adopting these varieties. Based on this, the current study sought to investigate the yield effects of plot-level tef seed rate in Central Ethiopia, focusing on the Korra tef variety. Two Hundred Twenty One (221) Korra tef producers were selected using multi-stage stratified sampling technique. Survey data were gathered from these respondents using a questionnaire, and interview guides were used to gather qualitative data from the key informants. The yield outcomes of seed rate users categorized as users below, within, and above the recommendations were examined using one-way ANOVA. The F-test results indicated disparities in yield across the three types of seed rate users. The impacts of seed rate on yield were examined using the Dose-Response Model, which was applied to five seeding rates (12, 14, 16, 18, and 20kgha-1). According to a Dose-Response analysis, the highest average tef yield was attributed to a seed rate of 20 kgha-1, slightly higher than recommended. The findings revealed a significant correlation between the utilization of the recommended Korra seed rate and increased crop productivity among growers. It is evident that encouraging farmers to solely use improved seed varieties is insufficient. Rather, the focus should be on promoting the utilization of the recommended seed rates. Furthermore, a reassessment of the ideal Korra tef seed rate for the study area is warranted, considering the observed benefits in productivity as farmers approached the utilization of the recommended rate.

Mapping resource-related inter-ethnic conflicts in Metekel zone of Benishangul Gumuz Region, Ethiopia

Mulugeta Ayele — 2024-09-16

The Metekel zone in Ethiopia is marred by persistent interethnic conflicts, driven by a complex interplay of historical grievances, political issues, and socioeconomic challenges. This study examined the multifaceted dynamics of conflict in Metekel, focusing on the contextual backdrop, actors involved and their interests, and conflict dynamics. Data were collected using qualitative methods, including key informant interviews, expert interviews, and focus group discussions. In addition, secondary sources from the literature and those obtained from government offices in the study area were used. The study revealed that the conflict context in Metekel is characterized by recurring tensions among various ethnic groups, exacerbated by competition over natural resources, historical disputes, and political tensions. Actors in the conflict span local and regional entities, with their interests ranging from resource acquisition to power assertions and strategic positioning. Competing claims over land, cultural preservation, and political control seems to have drived conflict dynamics, aggravated by misinformation campaigns and historical grievances. Conflict dynamics in the area exhibit recurrence and escalation, marked by an increase in the frequency and intensity of violent confrontations. The study concludes that addressing the complex dynamics of the conflict in the zone requires a comprehensive approach that acknowledges historical contexts, fosters inclusive governance, and promotes equitable resource use. Genuine dialogue and targeted peace-building efforts are essential for achieving sustainable reconciliation and peace in the area.

Predictors of migration decision in recent population mobility from Ankasha District, Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia

Chalachew Arega — 2024-09-16

Migration has a global impact, affecting individuals, communities, and countries. Research indicates that rural migration can enhance household livelihoods by increasing remittances and alleviating land pressure in origin areas. This study aimed to identify key factors influencing migration decisions. The study examined 740 households, randomly selected from six Kebeles in Ethiopia's Ankasha district. Both migrant-sending and non-sending households were included. Binary logistic regression analysis determined the primary predictors of migration decisions. Results showed that migration decisions were predominantly collective household choices rather than individual ones. Households with heads aged 40-49 and 30-39 were respectively 75% and 55% more likely to migrate. Female-headed households had a lower likelihood of sending migrants compared to those with male heads. Larger households were more inclined to migrate than medium and small-sized households. Furthermore, medium and high-wealth-class households were less likely to send migrants than those in the lower-wealth class. In conclusion, household composition, structure, household head's age, and economic deprivation significantly influenced migration decisions in the study area. The findings underscore the importance of further comprehensive research that considers individual and societal factors to better comprehend the complexities of migration decision-making in both origin and destination contexts.

Multi-level analysis of actors’ interaction in maize innovation system in Amhara Region, Ethiopia

Daniel Nigussie — 2024-09-16

Agriculture is a crucial aspect of Ethiopia's economy, and innovations in the field, especially those related to maize production, are vital for improving smallholder farmers’ food security. This study examined actors and their interactions at different levels of aggregation in improved maize varieties. To achieve this objective, perspectives on sustainability transition have been integrated into the innovation system, social network perspectives, and a multi‐level power framework. Approximately 49 actor organizations were selected at niche, regime and landscape levels through purposive sampling using the snowball technique. Focus group discussions (FGD) with farmers and key informant interviews with selected organizations were used to collect data. The social network analysis approach was employed to analyze actors’ interactions and their influences on the generation, dissemination and utilization of improved maize varieties. The findings reveals that agricultural extension service providers and government seed enterprises such as the Regional Bureau of Agriculture and Amhara Seed Enterprise, a regime level actor that influence the generation, dissemination and utilization of improved maize varieties. Given the priority that the Ethiopian government has placed on achieving food security by strengthening private sectors in the promotion of improved maize varieties, the findings of this study may suggest the need to involve/engage private actors at regime level to foster interaction among governmental and non-governmental actors for a sustainable supply of quality improved maize varieties.