Girma Defere - Academia.edu (original) (raw)
Papers by Girma Defere
Journal of Asian and African Studies
This study examined roles of state and indigenous institutions in environmental resource governan... more This study examined roles of state and indigenous institutions in environmental resource governance along the Ethiopia-Kenya border. We used a qualitative approach to discuss the research objectives. Interviews, focus group discussions and scheduled interviews were used as instruments of data collection. The results demonstrate that the customary institutions have survived and served for generations in defending the rangeland environment from tragic destruction enabled pastoralists to go beyond borders to get ecological benefits of mobility as an adaptive strategy. Now, unlike before, the role of indigenous institution is declining due to a lack of recognition and exploitation by the state apparatus.
Journal of Asian and African Studies, Dec 4, 2022
With significant importance and effort from the Ethiopian Government and non-governmental organiz... more With significant importance and effort from the Ethiopian Government and non-governmental organizations to achieve gender equality in education, this study intended to critically assess teachers' perceptions and the practice of gender equality in education in Ambo Town administration secondary schools. A mixed research approach was selected involving interviews, questionnaires, focus group discussions and document study as the data collection instruments. The data collected was analyzed with both descriptive and inferential statistics. Descriptive statistics measurement such as frequency, percentage, mean and standard deviation were used; whereas in inferential statistics, ANOVAs variance and T-test were employed. The results of the descriptive statistics revealed that most of the teachers' have a favorable perception of gender equality, but that they lack the skills to practice it. Harmful traditional practices, sexual harassment, sexual abuse and bullying were found to be ...
Ethno-linguistic federalism in Ethiopia has caused ethno-national diversified groups to be recogn... more Ethno-linguistic federalism in Ethiopia has caused ethno-national diversified groups to be recognized and promoted. The federal formula lacked genuine institutions and practices to promote democratic state unity in diversity. The federal system accelerated diversity which failed to balance ethno-national identity with Ethiopian state citizenship as a result it endangered the state sustenance. Failure to balance national diversity and Ethiopian citizenship brought adverse consequence, such as, ethnic based campus conflict among university students, the displacement of Oromos from Somali regional state, the displacement the Amharas and Oromos from Benishangul Gumuz, the Gedeo people's displacement from Guji Oromia region…etc are some to mention. Above all, ethno-linguistic national identity is taken as a sole defining identity which has created a stumbling block for state/national building in Ethiopia. This article argues it is a must to foster a democratic federal political system in Ethiopia along with building genuine democratic institutions that are accountable to the people. There should, moreover, be a national consensus on maintaining 90 state unity within diversity so that the voices of national minorities (both titular and non-titular) in different regions are heard and respected by allowing them to have political seats in their respective regions.
This study was designed as a descriptive case study to assess the socio- economic and safety cond... more This study was designed as a descriptive case study to assess the socio- economic and safety conditions of coalmine workers at Achibo-Sombo of Yayo district, Ilu Abba Bor Zone, Oromia National Regional State, Ethiopia. The main objective of this study was to assess the socio-economic and safety conditions of coalmine workers by focusing on medical benefits, safety measures, employment relationship, labour union, wage/salary and psychosocial state. To this end, the research employed descriptive design guided by mixed research approach. The empirical data was obtained from 70 respondents via questionnaires, focus group discussions and interviews with key informats. Data collected was analyzed using stastical package for social scinence for descriptive statistics then presented in tables and charts in the form of cumulative frequency, percentage, correlation and chi-squire, while the qualitative data were analyzed by cross-analysis methods. The study found that the employment of a cont...
This study assessed the challenges and prospects of good urban governance practices in land admin... more This study assessed the challenges and prospects of good urban governance practices in land administra tion at Shambu town, Horro Guduru Wollega, Oromia National Regional State Government, basing five good governa nce principles, such as: participation, transparency, a ccountability, equity, and effectiveness and effici en y. The study design was descriptive case study. Data was collect ed from primary and secondary sources. Primary dat a was obtained through questionnaires, interviews, and fo cus group discussion. Secondary data involved revie wing relevant literature from journals, books, magazines and proceedings. Data collected by survey question naires was entered SPSS for statistical analysis, and data col le ted by focus group discussion and interviews wer e analyzed using words and statements ,and used for the purpos e of triangulation. This study found that corruptio n and rentseeking behavior and activities, negligence by offi cials and employees of the municipality, laggi...
This study aimed at assessing center-region relations regarding whether regions enjoy full autono... more This study aimed at assessing center-region relations regarding whether regions enjoy full autonomy or not in their jurisdictions. The study employed a qualitative approach. Interview was the main primary data collection method. The findings of the study show that the federal government through the incumbent party, the EPRDF network, severely undermined regional autonomy more seriously before 2016. There have been dramatic changes observed in the post2016, particularly, in the Oromia region. With the coming into power of the reformist leader within the EPRDF coalition on April 2nd, 2018, various reforms have been introduced that can strengthen the practices of democratic federalism in Ethiopia. This study, accordingly, recommends among others that the federal government should respect constitutional jurisdictions given to regions and encourage a democratically negotiated autonomy between the federal government and the federated units; there should be negotiation among the ruling EPR...
With significant importance and effort from the Ethiopian Government and non-governmental organiz... more With significant importance and effort from the Ethiopian Government and non-governmental organizations to achieve gender equality in education, this study intended to critically assess teachers' perceptions and the practice of gender equality in education in Ambo Town administration secondary schools. A mixed research approach was selected involving interviews, questionnaires, focus group discussions and document study as the data collection instruments. The data collected was analyzed with both descriptive and inferential statistics. Descriptive statistics measurement such as frequency, percentage, mean and standard deviation were used; whereas in inferential statistics, ANOVAs variance and T-test were employed. The results of the descriptive statistics revealed that most of the teachers' have a favorable perception of gender equality, but that they lack the skills to practice it. Harmful traditional practices, sexual harassment, sexual abuse and bullying were found to be the main challenges to practicing gender equality; however, the teachers' lack knowledge and skill to respond to gender-based violence in education. ANOVAs variance revealed that teachers' demographic characteristics such as teachers' background and level of education made no significant difference regarding the perception, practice, challenges and teachers' responses to gender-based violence in schools. However, significant differences were found with age and teaching experience on challenges to practice gender equality in education. Independent Ttest found significant differences between male and female teachers with perception practice and teachers' response to gender-based violence in their school. However, no significant difference was found between the genders with regard to challenges in practicing gender equality in education. On the other hand, no significant differences were revealed with regard to school types on the perception, practice and teachers' responses to gender-based violence, except on the challenge to practice gender equality in education. Based on these findings, the study recommended that teachers should be trained on gender and sexual reproductive health to avoid bias they may bring to the classroom and on how to identify students who are experiencing problems. For instance, there should be inclusive, active gender clubs, separate toilets, school counselors, procedures for a safe way of reporting victims and perpetrators of abuse, and feminine hygiene products provided in the school.
Civil service is the main instrument of any governm e t to translate its development policies and... more Civil service is the main instrument of any governm e t to translate its development policies and strat egies into actions. It is the civil service that has a pi votal role in ensuring socio-economic development t hat ultimately leads to improvement in the quality life o citizens in a country. This study was undertake n in three public institutions found in Jimma City. A descript ive survey approach was employed. Method used was b oth quantitative and qualitative. The quantitative data w s drawn from sampled 104 service users using sch edule interview assign by probability sampling. Questionn aire also utilized to collect data from members of the management. The qualitative data was obtained throu gh interview and observation. Study found that refo rm implementation is not uniform among the surveyed in stitutions. The three civil service institutions co vered in this study are weak, less responsiveness and lack e thical leaderships in serving the general public ev en if there are go...
ILIRIA International Review, 2019
The main objective of this study is to assess the Practices and Challenges of the Oromia branch O... more The main objective of this study is to assess the Practices and Challenges of the Oromia branch Ombudsman Institution in Impacting Public Sector Governance and Service Delivery. The study employed qualitative approach and evaluative design. Primary Data was collected using interview and FGD. The findings of the study showed that lack of accessibility, budget and human resource shortage, lack of institutional competence, weak performance, and a very weak linkage with other public sectors and with media found to be of the major challenges. Some of the recommendations forwarded by this study are: The regions ombudsmen institutions in general and the Oromia branch ombudsman in particular should be accountable to the regional legislature; the Oromia branch ombudsman institution should improve its professionalism in order to conduct its activities more effectively as the success of any ombudsman is mainly determined by the personality of the representative/commissioner. Moreover, the Orom...
The democratic developmental state ideology emerged in response to neoliberal failures. Ethiopia ... more The democratic developmental state ideology emerged in response to neoliberal failures. Ethiopia is now pursuing a democratic developmental state ideology to ensure simultaneously democracy and development. In the educational curriculum, civics and ethical education was introduced in the 1990s so as to promote democracy and development in Ethiopia. The main objective of this study was to assess the role of democratic developmental state, civics and ethical education in promoting democracy and development in Ethiopia. The method this study used was qualitative methods. Instruments of data collection included: interviews, observation and document analysis. The findings of this study show that democratic developmental state has brought some successes on economic growth and social services; limitations on ensuring democracy as the space for citizens political and civil society participation is limited. Regarding civics and ethical education, some successes achieved on producing informed...
Üniversitepark Bülten
Ethiopia attempted to introduce federalism in general, and fiscal decentralization in particular ... more Ethiopia attempted to introduce federalism in general, and fiscal decentralization in particular back as far as the transition period (1991-994). Later, a clearer federal system was established with the adoption of the 1995 Constitution of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia. The constitution shared political power between federal and regional governments. Accordingly, the federated units exercised this constitutional right. The main objective of this study was to assess the practices and problems of fiscal decentralization in Ethiopia. The study employed a review of relevant empirical studies, discussion with experts and the researcher's own observation. In Ethiopia, the practices of fiscal decentralization show that there is high vertical fiscal imbalance and regional disparities, problem of effectiveness and efficiency in resource utilization, problems of administrative malpractice and tight political influence mainly at local levels, and problems of spillover effect. The current study suggests that: civil service institutions should be divorced from party politics to allow a build-up of professional, committed and honest civil servants to serve the interest of the general public; assigning appropriate revenue sources for regional units so that subnational units could provide adequate public service to the local people; promoting transparency, and encouraging wider participation of the general public and civil society institutions so that they can play constructive roles.
Remapping Africa in the Global Space, 2014
Journal of Asian and African Studies
This study examined roles of state and indigenous institutions in environmental resource governan... more This study examined roles of state and indigenous institutions in environmental resource governance along the Ethiopia-Kenya border. We used a qualitative approach to discuss the research objectives. Interviews, focus group discussions and scheduled interviews were used as instruments of data collection. The results demonstrate that the customary institutions have survived and served for generations in defending the rangeland environment from tragic destruction enabled pastoralists to go beyond borders to get ecological benefits of mobility as an adaptive strategy. Now, unlike before, the role of indigenous institution is declining due to a lack of recognition and exploitation by the state apparatus.
Journal of Asian and African Studies, Dec 4, 2022
With significant importance and effort from the Ethiopian Government and non-governmental organiz... more With significant importance and effort from the Ethiopian Government and non-governmental organizations to achieve gender equality in education, this study intended to critically assess teachers' perceptions and the practice of gender equality in education in Ambo Town administration secondary schools. A mixed research approach was selected involving interviews, questionnaires, focus group discussions and document study as the data collection instruments. The data collected was analyzed with both descriptive and inferential statistics. Descriptive statistics measurement such as frequency, percentage, mean and standard deviation were used; whereas in inferential statistics, ANOVAs variance and T-test were employed. The results of the descriptive statistics revealed that most of the teachers' have a favorable perception of gender equality, but that they lack the skills to practice it. Harmful traditional practices, sexual harassment, sexual abuse and bullying were found to be ...
Ethno-linguistic federalism in Ethiopia has caused ethno-national diversified groups to be recogn... more Ethno-linguistic federalism in Ethiopia has caused ethno-national diversified groups to be recognized and promoted. The federal formula lacked genuine institutions and practices to promote democratic state unity in diversity. The federal system accelerated diversity which failed to balance ethno-national identity with Ethiopian state citizenship as a result it endangered the state sustenance. Failure to balance national diversity and Ethiopian citizenship brought adverse consequence, such as, ethnic based campus conflict among university students, the displacement of Oromos from Somali regional state, the displacement the Amharas and Oromos from Benishangul Gumuz, the Gedeo people's displacement from Guji Oromia region…etc are some to mention. Above all, ethno-linguistic national identity is taken as a sole defining identity which has created a stumbling block for state/national building in Ethiopia. This article argues it is a must to foster a democratic federal political system in Ethiopia along with building genuine democratic institutions that are accountable to the people. There should, moreover, be a national consensus on maintaining 90 state unity within diversity so that the voices of national minorities (both titular and non-titular) in different regions are heard and respected by allowing them to have political seats in their respective regions.
This study was designed as a descriptive case study to assess the socio- economic and safety cond... more This study was designed as a descriptive case study to assess the socio- economic and safety conditions of coalmine workers at Achibo-Sombo of Yayo district, Ilu Abba Bor Zone, Oromia National Regional State, Ethiopia. The main objective of this study was to assess the socio-economic and safety conditions of coalmine workers by focusing on medical benefits, safety measures, employment relationship, labour union, wage/salary and psychosocial state. To this end, the research employed descriptive design guided by mixed research approach. The empirical data was obtained from 70 respondents via questionnaires, focus group discussions and interviews with key informats. Data collected was analyzed using stastical package for social scinence for descriptive statistics then presented in tables and charts in the form of cumulative frequency, percentage, correlation and chi-squire, while the qualitative data were analyzed by cross-analysis methods. The study found that the employment of a cont...
This study assessed the challenges and prospects of good urban governance practices in land admin... more This study assessed the challenges and prospects of good urban governance practices in land administra tion at Shambu town, Horro Guduru Wollega, Oromia National Regional State Government, basing five good governa nce principles, such as: participation, transparency, a ccountability, equity, and effectiveness and effici en y. The study design was descriptive case study. Data was collect ed from primary and secondary sources. Primary dat a was obtained through questionnaires, interviews, and fo cus group discussion. Secondary data involved revie wing relevant literature from journals, books, magazines and proceedings. Data collected by survey question naires was entered SPSS for statistical analysis, and data col le ted by focus group discussion and interviews wer e analyzed using words and statements ,and used for the purpos e of triangulation. This study found that corruptio n and rentseeking behavior and activities, negligence by offi cials and employees of the municipality, laggi...
This study aimed at assessing center-region relations regarding whether regions enjoy full autono... more This study aimed at assessing center-region relations regarding whether regions enjoy full autonomy or not in their jurisdictions. The study employed a qualitative approach. Interview was the main primary data collection method. The findings of the study show that the federal government through the incumbent party, the EPRDF network, severely undermined regional autonomy more seriously before 2016. There have been dramatic changes observed in the post2016, particularly, in the Oromia region. With the coming into power of the reformist leader within the EPRDF coalition on April 2nd, 2018, various reforms have been introduced that can strengthen the practices of democratic federalism in Ethiopia. This study, accordingly, recommends among others that the federal government should respect constitutional jurisdictions given to regions and encourage a democratically negotiated autonomy between the federal government and the federated units; there should be negotiation among the ruling EPR...
With significant importance and effort from the Ethiopian Government and non-governmental organiz... more With significant importance and effort from the Ethiopian Government and non-governmental organizations to achieve gender equality in education, this study intended to critically assess teachers' perceptions and the practice of gender equality in education in Ambo Town administration secondary schools. A mixed research approach was selected involving interviews, questionnaires, focus group discussions and document study as the data collection instruments. The data collected was analyzed with both descriptive and inferential statistics. Descriptive statistics measurement such as frequency, percentage, mean and standard deviation were used; whereas in inferential statistics, ANOVAs variance and T-test were employed. The results of the descriptive statistics revealed that most of the teachers' have a favorable perception of gender equality, but that they lack the skills to practice it. Harmful traditional practices, sexual harassment, sexual abuse and bullying were found to be the main challenges to practicing gender equality; however, the teachers' lack knowledge and skill to respond to gender-based violence in education. ANOVAs variance revealed that teachers' demographic characteristics such as teachers' background and level of education made no significant difference regarding the perception, practice, challenges and teachers' responses to gender-based violence in schools. However, significant differences were found with age and teaching experience on challenges to practice gender equality in education. Independent Ttest found significant differences between male and female teachers with perception practice and teachers' response to gender-based violence in their school. However, no significant difference was found between the genders with regard to challenges in practicing gender equality in education. On the other hand, no significant differences were revealed with regard to school types on the perception, practice and teachers' responses to gender-based violence, except on the challenge to practice gender equality in education. Based on these findings, the study recommended that teachers should be trained on gender and sexual reproductive health to avoid bias they may bring to the classroom and on how to identify students who are experiencing problems. For instance, there should be inclusive, active gender clubs, separate toilets, school counselors, procedures for a safe way of reporting victims and perpetrators of abuse, and feminine hygiene products provided in the school.
Civil service is the main instrument of any governm e t to translate its development policies and... more Civil service is the main instrument of any governm e t to translate its development policies and strat egies into actions. It is the civil service that has a pi votal role in ensuring socio-economic development t hat ultimately leads to improvement in the quality life o citizens in a country. This study was undertake n in three public institutions found in Jimma City. A descript ive survey approach was employed. Method used was b oth quantitative and qualitative. The quantitative data w s drawn from sampled 104 service users using sch edule interview assign by probability sampling. Questionn aire also utilized to collect data from members of the management. The qualitative data was obtained throu gh interview and observation. Study found that refo rm implementation is not uniform among the surveyed in stitutions. The three civil service institutions co vered in this study are weak, less responsiveness and lack e thical leaderships in serving the general public ev en if there are go...
ILIRIA International Review, 2019
The main objective of this study is to assess the Practices and Challenges of the Oromia branch O... more The main objective of this study is to assess the Practices and Challenges of the Oromia branch Ombudsman Institution in Impacting Public Sector Governance and Service Delivery. The study employed qualitative approach and evaluative design. Primary Data was collected using interview and FGD. The findings of the study showed that lack of accessibility, budget and human resource shortage, lack of institutional competence, weak performance, and a very weak linkage with other public sectors and with media found to be of the major challenges. Some of the recommendations forwarded by this study are: The regions ombudsmen institutions in general and the Oromia branch ombudsman in particular should be accountable to the regional legislature; the Oromia branch ombudsman institution should improve its professionalism in order to conduct its activities more effectively as the success of any ombudsman is mainly determined by the personality of the representative/commissioner. Moreover, the Orom...
The democratic developmental state ideology emerged in response to neoliberal failures. Ethiopia ... more The democratic developmental state ideology emerged in response to neoliberal failures. Ethiopia is now pursuing a democratic developmental state ideology to ensure simultaneously democracy and development. In the educational curriculum, civics and ethical education was introduced in the 1990s so as to promote democracy and development in Ethiopia. The main objective of this study was to assess the role of democratic developmental state, civics and ethical education in promoting democracy and development in Ethiopia. The method this study used was qualitative methods. Instruments of data collection included: interviews, observation and document analysis. The findings of this study show that democratic developmental state has brought some successes on economic growth and social services; limitations on ensuring democracy as the space for citizens political and civil society participation is limited. Regarding civics and ethical education, some successes achieved on producing informed...
Üniversitepark Bülten
Ethiopia attempted to introduce federalism in general, and fiscal decentralization in particular ... more Ethiopia attempted to introduce federalism in general, and fiscal decentralization in particular back as far as the transition period (1991-994). Later, a clearer federal system was established with the adoption of the 1995 Constitution of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia. The constitution shared political power between federal and regional governments. Accordingly, the federated units exercised this constitutional right. The main objective of this study was to assess the practices and problems of fiscal decentralization in Ethiopia. The study employed a review of relevant empirical studies, discussion with experts and the researcher's own observation. In Ethiopia, the practices of fiscal decentralization show that there is high vertical fiscal imbalance and regional disparities, problem of effectiveness and efficiency in resource utilization, problems of administrative malpractice and tight political influence mainly at local levels, and problems of spillover effect. The current study suggests that: civil service institutions should be divorced from party politics to allow a build-up of professional, committed and honest civil servants to serve the interest of the general public; assigning appropriate revenue sources for regional units so that subnational units could provide adequate public service to the local people; promoting transparency, and encouraging wider participation of the general public and civil society institutions so that they can play constructive roles.
Remapping Africa in the Global Space, 2014