Dr. MELESSE ASFAW | Walden University (original) (raw)
Papers by Dr. MELESSE ASFAW
Frontiers in African Business Research, 2017
Of late, the pattern of tax revenues and its nexus with economic growth in developing countries b... more Of late, the pattern of tax revenues and its nexus with economic growth in developing countries become an increasing concern for policy framers and researchers. Since tax revenue is one of the important sources of government revenue, a tax policy assumes significance as a vehicle for a viable and long-term source of revenue and economic growth. Similarly, economic growth has augmenting effects on the tax revenue of a country. This study investigates tax responsiveness to the changes in gross domestic product in Ethiopia in the period 1981–2014. It mainly focuses on the components of agricultural tax revenue: agricultural income tax and land use fee. In addition, it also studies personal income tax and business profit income. Understanding and analyzing the level of sensitivity of tax revenue to discretionary policy measures and GDP are essential in formulating fiscal policy. The empirical evidence on Ethiopia suggests that the trends in agricultural income tax and land use fee collection are highly inconsistent. Agricultural income tax and land use fee are not buoyant, indicating that the growth of the agricultural sector has no statistically significant impact on agricultural income tax buoyancy. However, personal income tax revenue, business profit revenue, and total direct tax revenue are responsive to changes in non-agricultural GDP in Ethiopia. In light of these findings, some policy interventions for improving tax revenue are suggested.
It is not possible to achieve a controversial goal, such as gender equality, without a clear stra... more It is not possible to achieve a controversial goal, such as gender equality, without a clear strategic plan setting out policy, objectives, action, time frame and resources. Any organizational entity of the public or private sector nature should contribute to enhancing greater gender equality in order to minimize the widely expanding gender equality gap between men and women. It should be able to contribute substantively to greater gender equality by having the appropriate gender mainstreaming structures, policies and procedures in place. The objective of this article was to show the existing situation of organizational (input) level factors towards the promotion of gender equality in the Gambella Peoples’ National Regional State of Ethiopia. The study has shown that the basic policy documents did not exist in several public sector organizations. Certain basic gender and gender-related strategies to implementing the gender and gender-related policy documents were not practiced in th...
Developing Country Studies, 2014
The first dilemma that millions of poor in urban areas of the developing world face and which is ... more The first dilemma that millions of poor in urban areas of the developing world face and which is likely to persist for a long period is the question of adequate housing. In this regard, 70 per cent of the urban population of Ethiopia is living in slums and squatter settlements. This article is on accessibility of land for residential purpose and existing squatter settlements in Burayu town in Oromia National Regional State, Ethiopia. The population of Burayu town is 100,200 (2010) and the town is located about 15 kilo meters from the city limits of Addis Ababa metropolis, the capital of Ethiopia. The town is characterized by many land related problems like proliferation of squatter settlements, expansion of slums and other illegal land developments. This article tries to identify the root causes for squatting and assess the major local government responses in Burayu town. By the combination of random and purposive sampling method, 246 squatter households were selected from different...
Journal of Poverty, Investment and Development, 2016
This paper evaluates the implementations of assessment and certification in the Ethiopian TVET sy... more This paper evaluates the implementations of assessment and certification in the Ethiopian TVET system based on review of government documents and a descriptive analysis of primary data. The primary data are obtained by administering questionnaires to 184 TVET heads and 547 students/trainees that are drawn from 40 public, private and NGO TVET institutions in Addis Ababa and by administering interviews to 10 key informants. It is found that assessment is being carried out based on regulations/guidelines and assessment tools in accredited assessment centers by accredited assessors. Implementation of the system has directed the effort of stakeholders towards enhancing learners’ competence and has influenced learning. As a result, the number of candidates who passed the assessment in Addis Ababa has increased from 14.3% in 2009/10 to 61.7% in 2015. Findings also point out that the implementation of assessment is to some extent in line with some of the principles (criteria) proposed in th...
Initial modes of transportation for human beings were non-motorized. However, due to development ... more Initial modes of transportation for human beings were non-motorized. However, due to development in transport technology and requirement, these modes have been partly or fully replaced by motorized vehicles depending on the development level of the given country. Invention in motorization contributed for further advancements. Motorization has multifaceted benefits. However, individual risks ranging from property damages, health problems, injuries and deaths from traffic accidents and environmental problems due to construction of infrastructure and gas emissions are also the serious threats. Consequently, many nations of the world have started to incorporate non-motorized modes in their transportation systems in order to tackle such negative effects of motorization. Acceptance in non-motorized transport is getting a wide horizon at the world scale because it is economically feasible, environmentally less damaging and socially inclusive. As true for many developing countries, dominant...
PLOS ONE, 2013
<p>(A) PBMC from AIDS subjects were stained with fluorochrome-conjugated Abs. CD14 and CD16... more <p>(A) PBMC from AIDS subjects were stained with fluorochrome-conjugated Abs. CD14 and CD16 expression identified three Mo subsets: CD14<sup>high</sup>CD16<sup>−</sup> (gate R2), CD14<sup>high</sup>CD16<sup>+</sup> (gate R3), and CD14<sup>low</sup>CD16<sup>+</sup> (gate R4). (B) The frequency of each Mo subset was compared in AIDS (<i>n = 11</i>) and uninfected subjects (<i>n = 8</i>). The expression of CD69 (C) and CCR5 (D) was analyzed for each Mo subset from AIDS (<i>n = 9–11</i>) and uninfected subjects (<i>n = 5–9</i>). Median values are indicated as horizontal lines, and statistical significance in 6B–D was calculated using the Mann-Whitney test.</p
Expansion of squatter settlements and burgeoning of slum are among the challenges being posed by ... more Expansion of squatter settlements and burgeoning of slum are among the challenges being posed by rapid rate of urbanization especially in developing countries like Ethiopia. Burayu town is one of the fastest growing towns in Oromia National Regional State of Ethiopia. The town is located about 15 kilometers from the center of Addis Ababa metropolis, the capital of Ethiopia. The population of Burayu town was 4,138 in 1984; 10,027 in 1994; 63,873 in 2007 (Census) and has grown to 150,000 in 2014 (estimated), showing that the population of the town has increased by more than 36 folds within the past 20 years. The town is characterized by many land related problems like proliferation of squatter settlements, expansion of slums and other illegal land developments. This article tries to identify characteristics of squatter houses in Burayu town in relation to location of the houses in environmentally sensitive areas, construction materials of the houses and accessibility of the houses to ...
ACADEMICIA: An International Multidisciplinary Research Journal, 2020
It is not possible to achieve a controversial goal, such as gender equality, without a clear stra... more It is not possible to achieve a controversial goal, such as gender equality, without a clear strategic plan setting out policy, objectives, action, time frame and resources. Any organizational entity of the public or private sector nature should contribute to enhancing greater gender equality in order to minimize the widely expanding gender equality gap between men and women. It should be able to contribute substantively to greater gender equality by having the appropriate gender mainstreaming structures, policies and procedures in place. The objective of this article was to show the existing situation of organizational (input) level factors towards the promotion of gender equality in the Gambella Peoples’ National Regional State of Ethiopia. The study has shown that the basic policy documents did not exist in several public sector organizations. Certain basic gender and gender-related strategies to implementing the gender and gender-related policy documents were not practiced in the public sector offices. The existing gender and gender-related strategies to implementing such gender policy documents were not clear to the civil servants. Gender focal point networking were absent in the public sector organizations. It has also shown that equal hiring or employment opportunities or practices were existing, gender unit department (division) activities were incorporated in the basic organizational core policy goals, objectives, and projects, and job responsibilities and mandates for the gender unit departments or divisions were existing in the public sector offices. The human resources development aspect and the work organization aspect of the organizational human resource practices were not building the capacity of the public sector staff in terms of a number of elements. But, documenting, updating, respecting, and utilizing the existing job descriptions for the GU staff were practiced as the organizational human resource practices to building the capacity of the public sector staff at the regional and local administrative level in the Gambella regional state.
Substance abuse, Jan 29, 2018
Co-prescribing opioids and benzodiazepines increases overdose risk. A paucity of literature exist... more Co-prescribing opioids and benzodiazepines increases overdose risk. A paucity of literature exists evaluating strategies to improve safety of co-prescribing. This study evaluated an electronic intervention to improve safety for patients co-prescribed chronic opioids for pain and benzodiazepines at 3 and 6 months. A prospective cohort study was conducted from December 2015 through May 2016 at San Francisco Veterans Affairs Health Care System. A clinical dashboard identified 145 eligible patients prescribed chronic opioids and benzodiazepines. Individualized taper and safety recommendations were communicated to prescribers via electronic medical record progress note and encrypted e-mail at baseline. Primary outcome was number of patients co-prescribed chronic opioids and benzodiazepines. Secondary outcomes included daily dose of opioids and benzodiazepines and number prescribed ≥100 mg morphine equivalent daily dose. Safety outcomes included number with opioid overdose education and n...
Public Policy and Administration Research, 2014
This study examines the contribution of resettlement program to the livelihoods of settlers in re... more This study examines the contribution of resettlement program to the livelihoods of settlers in resettlement areas of Essera DistrictinDawuro Zone, SNNPR. One hundred thirty eight (13%) sample participants were selected for survey by using simple random sampling techniques from three kebeles of resettlementarea. In addition, focus group discussion with representatives of settlers; key informant interviews and personal observations have been employed to collect data in this study.The study results show that the consultation about the resettlement program was made with majority of settlers before the implementation of program. It was also noticed that the movementof settlers to the new area was voluntarily based. The study also asserts that the occurrence of conflict among settlers and the host community is very minimal. Regarding the livelihood status of settlers, the study tells us that the resettlement program is positively contributing to the social, financial and physical capitals of settlers' livelihood assets. However, the current human and natural capitals of livelihood assets are not at pleasing status due to less infrastructure and social service facilities like schools, health services, safe drinking water, veterinary services, and land holdings in the resettlement areas. Furthermore, the resettlement program has not equally reduced the vulnerability of all settlers to food insecurity. In this regard, the study reveals that 14.5 percent of settlers were food insecure during the survey period. The agricultural activities and all income sources to participants are entirely relied on rainfall which is highly susceptible due to seasonal variations. The off-farm and non-farm activities such as petty trade, handicrafts, engagement in agricultural labor work and food-for work programs can generate additional income to household heads to promote their livelihood assets and to cope with adverse circumstances. However, the study found that these activities are hardly carried out by settlers. Thus, the integrated intervention of all concerned bodies is indispensable to reverse the problems related with resettlement and to enhance the diversification of income sources to settlers to build their livelihood assets in sustainable manner.
Journal of Environment and Earth Science, 2014
The Urban Local Government Development Project (ULGDP) program, launched in 2008 in Ethiopia's ma... more The Urban Local Government Development Project (ULGDP) program, launched in 2008 in Ethiopia's major cities, is coming to an end, and there is considerable debate on whether or not the projected impact on local government management of development projects would be realized. The paper examines the performance of the local governments involved in managing the ULGDP and was guided by the following question: How effective are urban local governments [ULGs] in managing development projects and what managerial/organizational challenges affect their performance? Basically, data and results from an ongoing doctoral research study were relied on substantially in writing this paper. Additional collaborative information was obtained by interviewing professional staff at all tiers of government regularly concerned or involved with the execution of local projects, and focus group citizenry. Preliminary findings of that study are quite revealing in the sense that while ULGs are commended for their performance in the areas of building infrastructures and providing municipal services to the community, despite quality control issues, the picture is not good in the areas of management and administration. There is abundant evidence of poor performance in the dissemination of annual budgets, project approval procedures, expenditure tracking, audit accounting, and sharing procurement results with the general public. Moreover, the revenue mobilization capacity of municipalities and budget allocation for operation and maintenance is not satisfactory. The paper concludes that ineffective resource management, organizational structures and administrative procedures are directly responsible for the poor state of affairs and recommends reforms in accordance with the mandate of local government. Largely, it calls for the establishment of modern management systems within the local government structure. The paper is structured into five parts as follows; introduction, the literature review, the methodology, results/discussion and conclusion.
Civil and Environmental Research, 2014
The rationale for the District level decentralization in Ethiopia has been reducing central and r... more The rationale for the District level decentralization in Ethiopia has been reducing central and regional government control, increasing community and civil society participation, making government bodies more accountable, responsive and transparent to the constituents at the ground. This article explores and discusses how district level decentralization affected its potential for effective local public governance in Guraghe Zone and its Districts from local government bodies' view. The study employed concurrent mixed methodes research design. The,data were collected through survey questionnaires,focus group discussions, and key informant interviews, simultaneosly. The Guraghe zone's districts were taken purposively. The data were integrated with analysis and interpretation of the results. The researcher employs cross tabulations, percentages, and graphs to discuss and analyze the data. The results show that that the decentralization affects accountability, responsiveness and transparency of local governments to the public positively and negatively in the study area. While, the finding also revealed that effectiveness decentralization reform on local governance effectiveness has been constrained due to misuses of transferred public resources. Furthermore, the prevailing ethnic based political patrons and kinship networks are installing and implementing government policies and projects for their own interest than the ordinary citizen. The findings also revealed that local administrators are appointed and removed from their position without constituents' knowledge. Even though both FDRE Constitution and SNNPRS Constitution clearly publicized how lower level government units are accountable to the higher government tiers, both fail state on how upper level tiers of government units are being accountable to the lower level government units. This might affect the down ward accountability of governance actors to their constituents. Obviously, this determines effectiveness of local governance.
Developing Country Studies, 2014
Despite the limited improvements made by very few countries, gender inequalities are on the incre... more Despite the limited improvements made by very few countries, gender inequalities are on the increase in the developing countries, including Ethiopia. On the other hand, representation of women and inclusion of their perspectives and experiences into the decision-making processes can have social benefits, better and more appropriate social, political, legal, and economic solutions for their problems. Economic and social empowerment of women is greatly reliable on their integration into the political decision-making process through their involvement in the political and public offices. Women can enjoy their political and civil rights through political representation and/or participation in the public life, as ensuring women's political participation can bring legitimacy to the government and, validity and trustworthiness of democracy and democratic process by the public and stakeholders. The purpose of this study is to assess the status of women's political empowerment/ representation in the public and political decision-making positions in the Gambella regional state of Ethiopia so as to suggest appropriate policy options towards the achievement of effective gender equality in the region. The study showed that women had never been represented in the national legislative and executive branches of the Ethiopian federal government. Cumulatively, this research had found that the political empowerment, representation or participation of men and women in the legislative, executive, and judiciary as well as in the justice and political system was comparatively better and showed a progress in the descending order of the administrative levels and the reverse is true for men. Though there had been a very remarkable and significant progress in the legislative representation of women in 4 th election term of 2010, a "wider gender inequality" existed in the representation of women in the executive at all administrative levels in the Gambella regional state. The study had discovered a wider gender inequality in the representation of both men and women as the presiding higher officials in the parliament offices at all administrative levels in the region. However, the representation of women as speakers of the house, commonly as vice speakers, showed a promising representation at similar administrative levels regardless of the regional administrative level where women had been given no chance to be one of the speakers in the regional parliament. The study had also found that there had been a satisfactory representation of women in the parliamentary standing committees' at all administrative levels. However, the representation lacks proportionality from within the standing committees. There had also been a bit wider gender inequality in the representation of women as the chairpersons of the various parliamentary standing committees' at all administrative levels in the legislative branch of the government. Although women had been given satisfactory political gender quota in the political party's central and executive committees, their representation in the official positions of the political party at all administrative levels in the region was very insignificant. Finally, the study had shown the existence of a wider gender inequality in the judicial and justice systems in the region at all administrative levels.
Journal of Economics and Sustainable Development, 2014
Economic development theory envisages that economies based on agriculture would promote productiv... more Economic development theory envisages that economies based on agriculture would promote productivity and production of the agriculture sector to become the backbone for the transformation of the economy from agricultural to industrialization. To realize this in a sustainable way, the development of industrial clustering of agro-based, value-chain industries are crucial. Clustering is a geographic concentration of firms, suppliers, support services, specialized infrastructure, producers of related products, and specialized institutions (e.g., training programs and business associations) that arise in particular fields in particular locations (Porter, 2007). Agricultural-based industrial clustering, therefore, refers to the geographic location of farms and processing firms directly involved with products from the farms. In Ethiopia, the Agricultural Development Led Industrialization [ADLI] policy required the development of medium and large scale industries dedicated to supporting agricultural industries. However, existing industrial zones around the country do not appear to possess the capacity to meet ADLI's objective and, also the zones, as they are currently, configured do not exhibit the important qualities of clustering. Past studies failed to identify the shortcoming of existing industrial zones from the perspectives of clustering and the rationale for agro-based value-chain cluster of industries in the country is now at a high point. The objective of this paper is to evaluate the capacity of medium and large scale manufacturing industries from the point view of industrial clustering advantages and to identify the rationale for demanding exclusive agro-based value-chain clustering. The methodology for putting the paper together is by drawing from the ongoing doctoral research 1 by the author. That study is based on a mixed research approach using both quantitative and qualitative data. The research question addressed in the paper was what is the rationale for the future development of exclusive agro-based value-chain industrial clustering? The paper found from the study that existing medium and large scale manufacturing industrial zones were not concentrations of firms capable of generating multi-functional connections, i.e. value-chain. Another finding was that most of the firms dependent on local agricultural raw material had to source from farms at more than 100 kilometers away. Again, of the exporting firms surveyed in the study only 10.8 percent were exporting final products after adding value through processing. The paper is structured into five sections; the introduction, literature review, methodology, findings and conclusions.
Developing Country Studies, 2014
Despite the prominence given to participatory development in National Urban Development Policy 20... more Despite the prominence given to participatory development in National Urban Development Policy 2005, a people-centered development culture akin to participation is yet to take root in urban Oromia. This study takes a fresh look at local governance and the level of people participation in the development process. The purpose of this paper is to examine the extent and status of people participation in the local development project cycle in Oromia Regional State relying on the knowledge from the closing of the ULGDP 1 as a case study. To achieve this, primary data were collected using a survey from the selected urban households and secondary data were collected from reports and books. Appropriate descriptive and analytical tools were employed to process the data obtained. The results of the study show that the extent and status of people's participation in identifying problems, implementation and evaluation of the activity and its outcomes were still negligible and not institutionalized. The study found that administrative obstacles such as bureaucracy and lack of regard for local people greatly hindered community participation in development efforts and that it is equally as important for a meaningful participation, for people to know about the project as it is for them to be recognized and acknowledged. The study concludes with a recommendation for a massive awareness program to be conducted by government in partnership with local Community Based Organizations (CBOs) working closely with the poor and the disadvantaged. Enactment of participation friendly guidelines can also promote and encourage participation. Keywords-development project, people participation, and urban local government
Developing Country Studies, 2014
The role of civil service in socioeconomic and political development of a country is unquestionab... more The role of civil service in socioeconomic and political development of a country is unquestionable. In some countries, however, the civil service is not aligned with the prevailing ideological, political and economic changes as well as management theories. Moreover, in some countries, especially in Africa, the civil service is blamed as a major cause for social and political upheavals and economic crises because of institutional and capacity weakness. As a result, it is common to see many countries engaged in the reform of their civil service. In 1991, Ethiopia experienced political changes that resulted in the introduction of multi-party system, marketoriented economy and federal form of government. Accordingly, the government introduced civil service reform that includes the issues of human resource development under human resource management reform since 1996. Studies revealed, however, that the implementation process was not going well. This article, therefore, aims to assess the implementation of training and development programs in civil service institutions of Oromia National Regional State in Ethiopia. The findings reveal that though the government is committed in developing a system of human resource development, the implementation is not on the right track to fill the skill gaps evident in the civil service.
Developing Country Studies, 2014
The article evaluates the application of planning standards and norms in the 2006/7 Integrated De... more The article evaluates the application of planning standards and norms in the 2006/7 Integrated Development Plan (IDP) of Bahir Dar and Hawassa Cities. Although planning standards and norms meant to standardize urban land use and function across urban centers of the country have been in existence at the Federal level since 2005, later revised in 2012, their implementation at the city level has not always been as required. This is a review of how the IDP's of Bahir Dar and Hawassa Cities were prepared and have since performed, taking into account the planning standards and norms of the country. The findings expose gaps between what avails as rules and regulations of planning in Ethiopia and what is actual practice on ground in the two cities' plan. In pursuance of the set objective, primary and secondary data was used. The primary data was collected from responses to questionnaires administered on selected households at the Kebele 1 and Sub-city 2 levels in Bahir Dar and Hawassa Cities, respectively. Secondary data used included the development planning schemes-IDPs-of the two cities, both the land use plan and the accompanying socioeconomic report as well as the planning and zoning standard regulation of the country 3. Other secondary data sources were relevant literature, proclamations 4 and web-based information on urban planning in general. A descriptive-type analysis based on seven selected broad land use categories 5 is used in comparing and contrasting the planning effectiveness of the two cities and to measure the extent of compliance with regulation. Based on the findings, it is concluded that a single broad land use category namely, infrastructure and transport complied and met the standard in both Bahir Dar and Hawassa Cities as required. The remaining six broad land use categories did not fit with the earmarked percentage proportions as per the standard for the respective land uses, and deviated by at least 25 percent and at most by 75 percent.
Journal of Environment and Earth Science, 2014
Ethiopia is known as a country with thousands of years of government structure. In contrast, the ... more Ethiopia is known as a country with thousands of years of government structure. In contrast, the modern civil service structure is only about one hundred years old.It was established in 1907 during the reign of Emperor Menelik. However, for almost fifty-five years, there was no legal system that uniformly governed the newly established civil service institutions. In 1962, the first civil service law was enacted with the aim of establishing meritocratic, efficient and effective civil service structure governed by specified rules and procedures. Despite the initiative to improve the civil service and the new laws, the civil service failed to achieve its objectives. After 1991, the current government took initiative to reform the civil service procedures including the human resource management system. The issue of recruitment and selection was one of the components of HRM reform that aimed to achieve a merit-based system. Studies revealed, however, that the implementation process was not going well. This article assesses the implementation of the recruitment and selection process in civil service institutions of Oromia National Regional State. Accordingly, the findings reveal that though the government showed commitment in developing a system that properly guides the process of recruitment and selection, the implementation process is not on track to achieve the desired merit-based system in the civil service sector of the region. 1. Introduction Ethiopia is a country with thousands of years of government structure. Nevertheless, the introduction of modern civil service structure dates only to 1907 during the reign of Emperor Menelik (1889-1913). The focus was just to introduce ministries in the government structure. For almost fifty-five years, there was no uniform legal system that governed the newly established civil service institutions (Atikilt, 1996). The first civil service law known as Order Number 28 was enacted in 1962 during the reign of Emperor Haile Selassie (1930-1974). The aim was to establish meritocratic, efficient and effective civil service governed by specified rules and procedures (Asmelash, 2000).This was the first attempt to consolidate and formalize the functions of civil service and at best was fragmented and sporadic. The law included the issues related to recruitment and selection, salary increment, performance appraisal, job evaluation and assessment, training of civil servants as well as the rights, duties and obligations of the civil servants (Adebabay, 2002).However, despite the initiative to improve the civil service and the new laws, the civil service failed to achieve its objectives (Atikilt, 1996). The problems were reflected in the form of politicization of the recruitment and placement process, high level of political interference and neglect of due process of law in matters of public concerns (MoCB, 2010). After the downfall of the monarchy, the country was ruled under a socialist political ideology of the Dergue regime between the years 1974-1991.However, despite the change in political system the civil service continued to be governed with the same law. During this period, a new parallel party structure was introduced in the civil service with the mandate to assign party functionaries to key decision making positions. As a result, most of the positions at department levels were occupied by political assignees (Mehret and Paulos, 2000). With this, merit and professionalism were undermined once again.In general, the civil service failed to deliver the expected services to the public due to political interference, inefficient service, corruption and centralization of administration (Mehret, 1997). In 1991, the current Ethiopian Government came to power and the introduction of new constitution brought about many political changes. The changes were, the introduction of multi-party system, market-oriented economy and federal form of government that resulted in the creation of nine (9) national regional states including Oromia National Regional State (Getachew and Richard, 2006).As a result, based on problems identified and recommendations forwarded, government took initiatives to reform the civil service in accordance with the changes introduced. Finally, in 1996 the overall civil service program comprising of different components was promulgated for implementation in civil service institutions throughout the country (AH Consulting, 2010).
Psychiatric services (Washington, D.C.), Nov 1, 2016
The purpose of this study was to identify patterns of postdischarge prescription fills following ... more The purpose of this study was to identify patterns of postdischarge prescription fills following an opioid-related hospitalization. Using the 2010-2014 MarketScan Commercial Claims and Encounters database, this analysis identified the percentage of patients (N=36,719) with an opioid-related inpatient admission who received substance use disorder treatment medications within 30 days of being discharged. Thirty-five percent of the sample did not have any prescription fills in the 30-day postdischarge period. Less than a quarter (16.7%) of patients received any FDA-approved opioid dependence medication in the 30 days following discharge. Forty percent of patients in the sample received antidepressants, 15.6% received antipsychotics, 13.9% filled a prescription for a benzodiazepine, and 22.4% filled a prescription for an opioid pain medication. More effort is needed to ensure that patients hospitalized for opioid misuse are receiving recommended services.
Journal of Economics and Sustainable Development, 2014
The Ethiopian financial sector is characterized by low level of development and relatively closed... more The Ethiopian financial sector is characterized by low level of development and relatively closed in nature than its east African neighbors. When we see the main financial development indicators in Ethiopia: branch to population ratio is 62,063 2 ; percentage of adult population which has access to formal credit is 1.197% 3 and ranked 104 4 in the world in getting credit. Consequently the country's financial system is distinguished by its negative real interest rate (-22.5 for saving rate and-21.80 for lending rate) 5 , 85.4% 6 of total loans required collateral and the required collateral as percentage of loan is 234% 7 which is the highest in the sub Saharan Africa. Regarding financial regulation there are two opposing theories; the financial repression school where taken financial regulation in the form interest rate control as important policy tool for developing countries and the liberalization school where considered privatization of the government owned financial institutions and financial liberalization as important policy tool for the sake of efficiency, soundness and to increase competition in the financial sector. In this regard even though the government Ethiopia acknowledges the importance of financial liberalization for the country financial development it follows gradualism approach to liberalization. For those reasons government intervention rate in the Ethiopian financial system is one of the highest (425.03%) 8. In line with this the paper tries to analyze the trends of financial development, the mode of liberalization and type of regulation and supervision in Ethiopia financial sector.
Frontiers in African Business Research, 2017
Of late, the pattern of tax revenues and its nexus with economic growth in developing countries b... more Of late, the pattern of tax revenues and its nexus with economic growth in developing countries become an increasing concern for policy framers and researchers. Since tax revenue is one of the important sources of government revenue, a tax policy assumes significance as a vehicle for a viable and long-term source of revenue and economic growth. Similarly, economic growth has augmenting effects on the tax revenue of a country. This study investigates tax responsiveness to the changes in gross domestic product in Ethiopia in the period 1981–2014. It mainly focuses on the components of agricultural tax revenue: agricultural income tax and land use fee. In addition, it also studies personal income tax and business profit income. Understanding and analyzing the level of sensitivity of tax revenue to discretionary policy measures and GDP are essential in formulating fiscal policy. The empirical evidence on Ethiopia suggests that the trends in agricultural income tax and land use fee collection are highly inconsistent. Agricultural income tax and land use fee are not buoyant, indicating that the growth of the agricultural sector has no statistically significant impact on agricultural income tax buoyancy. However, personal income tax revenue, business profit revenue, and total direct tax revenue are responsive to changes in non-agricultural GDP in Ethiopia. In light of these findings, some policy interventions for improving tax revenue are suggested.
It is not possible to achieve a controversial goal, such as gender equality, without a clear stra... more It is not possible to achieve a controversial goal, such as gender equality, without a clear strategic plan setting out policy, objectives, action, time frame and resources. Any organizational entity of the public or private sector nature should contribute to enhancing greater gender equality in order to minimize the widely expanding gender equality gap between men and women. It should be able to contribute substantively to greater gender equality by having the appropriate gender mainstreaming structures, policies and procedures in place. The objective of this article was to show the existing situation of organizational (input) level factors towards the promotion of gender equality in the Gambella Peoples’ National Regional State of Ethiopia. The study has shown that the basic policy documents did not exist in several public sector organizations. Certain basic gender and gender-related strategies to implementing the gender and gender-related policy documents were not practiced in th...
Developing Country Studies, 2014
The first dilemma that millions of poor in urban areas of the developing world face and which is ... more The first dilemma that millions of poor in urban areas of the developing world face and which is likely to persist for a long period is the question of adequate housing. In this regard, 70 per cent of the urban population of Ethiopia is living in slums and squatter settlements. This article is on accessibility of land for residential purpose and existing squatter settlements in Burayu town in Oromia National Regional State, Ethiopia. The population of Burayu town is 100,200 (2010) and the town is located about 15 kilo meters from the city limits of Addis Ababa metropolis, the capital of Ethiopia. The town is characterized by many land related problems like proliferation of squatter settlements, expansion of slums and other illegal land developments. This article tries to identify the root causes for squatting and assess the major local government responses in Burayu town. By the combination of random and purposive sampling method, 246 squatter households were selected from different...
Journal of Poverty, Investment and Development, 2016
This paper evaluates the implementations of assessment and certification in the Ethiopian TVET sy... more This paper evaluates the implementations of assessment and certification in the Ethiopian TVET system based on review of government documents and a descriptive analysis of primary data. The primary data are obtained by administering questionnaires to 184 TVET heads and 547 students/trainees that are drawn from 40 public, private and NGO TVET institutions in Addis Ababa and by administering interviews to 10 key informants. It is found that assessment is being carried out based on regulations/guidelines and assessment tools in accredited assessment centers by accredited assessors. Implementation of the system has directed the effort of stakeholders towards enhancing learners’ competence and has influenced learning. As a result, the number of candidates who passed the assessment in Addis Ababa has increased from 14.3% in 2009/10 to 61.7% in 2015. Findings also point out that the implementation of assessment is to some extent in line with some of the principles (criteria) proposed in th...
Initial modes of transportation for human beings were non-motorized. However, due to development ... more Initial modes of transportation for human beings were non-motorized. However, due to development in transport technology and requirement, these modes have been partly or fully replaced by motorized vehicles depending on the development level of the given country. Invention in motorization contributed for further advancements. Motorization has multifaceted benefits. However, individual risks ranging from property damages, health problems, injuries and deaths from traffic accidents and environmental problems due to construction of infrastructure and gas emissions are also the serious threats. Consequently, many nations of the world have started to incorporate non-motorized modes in their transportation systems in order to tackle such negative effects of motorization. Acceptance in non-motorized transport is getting a wide horizon at the world scale because it is economically feasible, environmentally less damaging and socially inclusive. As true for many developing countries, dominant...
PLOS ONE, 2013
<p>(A) PBMC from AIDS subjects were stained with fluorochrome-conjugated Abs. CD14 and CD16... more <p>(A) PBMC from AIDS subjects were stained with fluorochrome-conjugated Abs. CD14 and CD16 expression identified three Mo subsets: CD14<sup>high</sup>CD16<sup>−</sup> (gate R2), CD14<sup>high</sup>CD16<sup>+</sup> (gate R3), and CD14<sup>low</sup>CD16<sup>+</sup> (gate R4). (B) The frequency of each Mo subset was compared in AIDS (<i>n = 11</i>) and uninfected subjects (<i>n = 8</i>). The expression of CD69 (C) and CCR5 (D) was analyzed for each Mo subset from AIDS (<i>n = 9–11</i>) and uninfected subjects (<i>n = 5–9</i>). Median values are indicated as horizontal lines, and statistical significance in 6B–D was calculated using the Mann-Whitney test.</p
Expansion of squatter settlements and burgeoning of slum are among the challenges being posed by ... more Expansion of squatter settlements and burgeoning of slum are among the challenges being posed by rapid rate of urbanization especially in developing countries like Ethiopia. Burayu town is one of the fastest growing towns in Oromia National Regional State of Ethiopia. The town is located about 15 kilometers from the center of Addis Ababa metropolis, the capital of Ethiopia. The population of Burayu town was 4,138 in 1984; 10,027 in 1994; 63,873 in 2007 (Census) and has grown to 150,000 in 2014 (estimated), showing that the population of the town has increased by more than 36 folds within the past 20 years. The town is characterized by many land related problems like proliferation of squatter settlements, expansion of slums and other illegal land developments. This article tries to identify characteristics of squatter houses in Burayu town in relation to location of the houses in environmentally sensitive areas, construction materials of the houses and accessibility of the houses to ...
ACADEMICIA: An International Multidisciplinary Research Journal, 2020
It is not possible to achieve a controversial goal, such as gender equality, without a clear stra... more It is not possible to achieve a controversial goal, such as gender equality, without a clear strategic plan setting out policy, objectives, action, time frame and resources. Any organizational entity of the public or private sector nature should contribute to enhancing greater gender equality in order to minimize the widely expanding gender equality gap between men and women. It should be able to contribute substantively to greater gender equality by having the appropriate gender mainstreaming structures, policies and procedures in place. The objective of this article was to show the existing situation of organizational (input) level factors towards the promotion of gender equality in the Gambella Peoples’ National Regional State of Ethiopia. The study has shown that the basic policy documents did not exist in several public sector organizations. Certain basic gender and gender-related strategies to implementing the gender and gender-related policy documents were not practiced in the public sector offices. The existing gender and gender-related strategies to implementing such gender policy documents were not clear to the civil servants. Gender focal point networking were absent in the public sector organizations. It has also shown that equal hiring or employment opportunities or practices were existing, gender unit department (division) activities were incorporated in the basic organizational core policy goals, objectives, and projects, and job responsibilities and mandates for the gender unit departments or divisions were existing in the public sector offices. The human resources development aspect and the work organization aspect of the organizational human resource practices were not building the capacity of the public sector staff in terms of a number of elements. But, documenting, updating, respecting, and utilizing the existing job descriptions for the GU staff were practiced as the organizational human resource practices to building the capacity of the public sector staff at the regional and local administrative level in the Gambella regional state.
Substance abuse, Jan 29, 2018
Co-prescribing opioids and benzodiazepines increases overdose risk. A paucity of literature exist... more Co-prescribing opioids and benzodiazepines increases overdose risk. A paucity of literature exists evaluating strategies to improve safety of co-prescribing. This study evaluated an electronic intervention to improve safety for patients co-prescribed chronic opioids for pain and benzodiazepines at 3 and 6 months. A prospective cohort study was conducted from December 2015 through May 2016 at San Francisco Veterans Affairs Health Care System. A clinical dashboard identified 145 eligible patients prescribed chronic opioids and benzodiazepines. Individualized taper and safety recommendations were communicated to prescribers via electronic medical record progress note and encrypted e-mail at baseline. Primary outcome was number of patients co-prescribed chronic opioids and benzodiazepines. Secondary outcomes included daily dose of opioids and benzodiazepines and number prescribed ≥100 mg morphine equivalent daily dose. Safety outcomes included number with opioid overdose education and n...
Public Policy and Administration Research, 2014
This study examines the contribution of resettlement program to the livelihoods of settlers in re... more This study examines the contribution of resettlement program to the livelihoods of settlers in resettlement areas of Essera DistrictinDawuro Zone, SNNPR. One hundred thirty eight (13%) sample participants were selected for survey by using simple random sampling techniques from three kebeles of resettlementarea. In addition, focus group discussion with representatives of settlers; key informant interviews and personal observations have been employed to collect data in this study.The study results show that the consultation about the resettlement program was made with majority of settlers before the implementation of program. It was also noticed that the movementof settlers to the new area was voluntarily based. The study also asserts that the occurrence of conflict among settlers and the host community is very minimal. Regarding the livelihood status of settlers, the study tells us that the resettlement program is positively contributing to the social, financial and physical capitals of settlers' livelihood assets. However, the current human and natural capitals of livelihood assets are not at pleasing status due to less infrastructure and social service facilities like schools, health services, safe drinking water, veterinary services, and land holdings in the resettlement areas. Furthermore, the resettlement program has not equally reduced the vulnerability of all settlers to food insecurity. In this regard, the study reveals that 14.5 percent of settlers were food insecure during the survey period. The agricultural activities and all income sources to participants are entirely relied on rainfall which is highly susceptible due to seasonal variations. The off-farm and non-farm activities such as petty trade, handicrafts, engagement in agricultural labor work and food-for work programs can generate additional income to household heads to promote their livelihood assets and to cope with adverse circumstances. However, the study found that these activities are hardly carried out by settlers. Thus, the integrated intervention of all concerned bodies is indispensable to reverse the problems related with resettlement and to enhance the diversification of income sources to settlers to build their livelihood assets in sustainable manner.
Journal of Environment and Earth Science, 2014
The Urban Local Government Development Project (ULGDP) program, launched in 2008 in Ethiopia's ma... more The Urban Local Government Development Project (ULGDP) program, launched in 2008 in Ethiopia's major cities, is coming to an end, and there is considerable debate on whether or not the projected impact on local government management of development projects would be realized. The paper examines the performance of the local governments involved in managing the ULGDP and was guided by the following question: How effective are urban local governments [ULGs] in managing development projects and what managerial/organizational challenges affect their performance? Basically, data and results from an ongoing doctoral research study were relied on substantially in writing this paper. Additional collaborative information was obtained by interviewing professional staff at all tiers of government regularly concerned or involved with the execution of local projects, and focus group citizenry. Preliminary findings of that study are quite revealing in the sense that while ULGs are commended for their performance in the areas of building infrastructures and providing municipal services to the community, despite quality control issues, the picture is not good in the areas of management and administration. There is abundant evidence of poor performance in the dissemination of annual budgets, project approval procedures, expenditure tracking, audit accounting, and sharing procurement results with the general public. Moreover, the revenue mobilization capacity of municipalities and budget allocation for operation and maintenance is not satisfactory. The paper concludes that ineffective resource management, organizational structures and administrative procedures are directly responsible for the poor state of affairs and recommends reforms in accordance with the mandate of local government. Largely, it calls for the establishment of modern management systems within the local government structure. The paper is structured into five parts as follows; introduction, the literature review, the methodology, results/discussion and conclusion.
Civil and Environmental Research, 2014
The rationale for the District level decentralization in Ethiopia has been reducing central and r... more The rationale for the District level decentralization in Ethiopia has been reducing central and regional government control, increasing community and civil society participation, making government bodies more accountable, responsive and transparent to the constituents at the ground. This article explores and discusses how district level decentralization affected its potential for effective local public governance in Guraghe Zone and its Districts from local government bodies' view. The study employed concurrent mixed methodes research design. The,data were collected through survey questionnaires,focus group discussions, and key informant interviews, simultaneosly. The Guraghe zone's districts were taken purposively. The data were integrated with analysis and interpretation of the results. The researcher employs cross tabulations, percentages, and graphs to discuss and analyze the data. The results show that that the decentralization affects accountability, responsiveness and transparency of local governments to the public positively and negatively in the study area. While, the finding also revealed that effectiveness decentralization reform on local governance effectiveness has been constrained due to misuses of transferred public resources. Furthermore, the prevailing ethnic based political patrons and kinship networks are installing and implementing government policies and projects for their own interest than the ordinary citizen. The findings also revealed that local administrators are appointed and removed from their position without constituents' knowledge. Even though both FDRE Constitution and SNNPRS Constitution clearly publicized how lower level government units are accountable to the higher government tiers, both fail state on how upper level tiers of government units are being accountable to the lower level government units. This might affect the down ward accountability of governance actors to their constituents. Obviously, this determines effectiveness of local governance.
Developing Country Studies, 2014
Despite the limited improvements made by very few countries, gender inequalities are on the incre... more Despite the limited improvements made by very few countries, gender inequalities are on the increase in the developing countries, including Ethiopia. On the other hand, representation of women and inclusion of their perspectives and experiences into the decision-making processes can have social benefits, better and more appropriate social, political, legal, and economic solutions for their problems. Economic and social empowerment of women is greatly reliable on their integration into the political decision-making process through their involvement in the political and public offices. Women can enjoy their political and civil rights through political representation and/or participation in the public life, as ensuring women's political participation can bring legitimacy to the government and, validity and trustworthiness of democracy and democratic process by the public and stakeholders. The purpose of this study is to assess the status of women's political empowerment/ representation in the public and political decision-making positions in the Gambella regional state of Ethiopia so as to suggest appropriate policy options towards the achievement of effective gender equality in the region. The study showed that women had never been represented in the national legislative and executive branches of the Ethiopian federal government. Cumulatively, this research had found that the political empowerment, representation or participation of men and women in the legislative, executive, and judiciary as well as in the justice and political system was comparatively better and showed a progress in the descending order of the administrative levels and the reverse is true for men. Though there had been a very remarkable and significant progress in the legislative representation of women in 4 th election term of 2010, a "wider gender inequality" existed in the representation of women in the executive at all administrative levels in the Gambella regional state. The study had discovered a wider gender inequality in the representation of both men and women as the presiding higher officials in the parliament offices at all administrative levels in the region. However, the representation of women as speakers of the house, commonly as vice speakers, showed a promising representation at similar administrative levels regardless of the regional administrative level where women had been given no chance to be one of the speakers in the regional parliament. The study had also found that there had been a satisfactory representation of women in the parliamentary standing committees' at all administrative levels. However, the representation lacks proportionality from within the standing committees. There had also been a bit wider gender inequality in the representation of women as the chairpersons of the various parliamentary standing committees' at all administrative levels in the legislative branch of the government. Although women had been given satisfactory political gender quota in the political party's central and executive committees, their representation in the official positions of the political party at all administrative levels in the region was very insignificant. Finally, the study had shown the existence of a wider gender inequality in the judicial and justice systems in the region at all administrative levels.
Journal of Economics and Sustainable Development, 2014
Economic development theory envisages that economies based on agriculture would promote productiv... more Economic development theory envisages that economies based on agriculture would promote productivity and production of the agriculture sector to become the backbone for the transformation of the economy from agricultural to industrialization. To realize this in a sustainable way, the development of industrial clustering of agro-based, value-chain industries are crucial. Clustering is a geographic concentration of firms, suppliers, support services, specialized infrastructure, producers of related products, and specialized institutions (e.g., training programs and business associations) that arise in particular fields in particular locations (Porter, 2007). Agricultural-based industrial clustering, therefore, refers to the geographic location of farms and processing firms directly involved with products from the farms. In Ethiopia, the Agricultural Development Led Industrialization [ADLI] policy required the development of medium and large scale industries dedicated to supporting agricultural industries. However, existing industrial zones around the country do not appear to possess the capacity to meet ADLI's objective and, also the zones, as they are currently, configured do not exhibit the important qualities of clustering. Past studies failed to identify the shortcoming of existing industrial zones from the perspectives of clustering and the rationale for agro-based value-chain cluster of industries in the country is now at a high point. The objective of this paper is to evaluate the capacity of medium and large scale manufacturing industries from the point view of industrial clustering advantages and to identify the rationale for demanding exclusive agro-based value-chain clustering. The methodology for putting the paper together is by drawing from the ongoing doctoral research 1 by the author. That study is based on a mixed research approach using both quantitative and qualitative data. The research question addressed in the paper was what is the rationale for the future development of exclusive agro-based value-chain industrial clustering? The paper found from the study that existing medium and large scale manufacturing industrial zones were not concentrations of firms capable of generating multi-functional connections, i.e. value-chain. Another finding was that most of the firms dependent on local agricultural raw material had to source from farms at more than 100 kilometers away. Again, of the exporting firms surveyed in the study only 10.8 percent were exporting final products after adding value through processing. The paper is structured into five sections; the introduction, literature review, methodology, findings and conclusions.
Developing Country Studies, 2014
Despite the prominence given to participatory development in National Urban Development Policy 20... more Despite the prominence given to participatory development in National Urban Development Policy 2005, a people-centered development culture akin to participation is yet to take root in urban Oromia. This study takes a fresh look at local governance and the level of people participation in the development process. The purpose of this paper is to examine the extent and status of people participation in the local development project cycle in Oromia Regional State relying on the knowledge from the closing of the ULGDP 1 as a case study. To achieve this, primary data were collected using a survey from the selected urban households and secondary data were collected from reports and books. Appropriate descriptive and analytical tools were employed to process the data obtained. The results of the study show that the extent and status of people's participation in identifying problems, implementation and evaluation of the activity and its outcomes were still negligible and not institutionalized. The study found that administrative obstacles such as bureaucracy and lack of regard for local people greatly hindered community participation in development efforts and that it is equally as important for a meaningful participation, for people to know about the project as it is for them to be recognized and acknowledged. The study concludes with a recommendation for a massive awareness program to be conducted by government in partnership with local Community Based Organizations (CBOs) working closely with the poor and the disadvantaged. Enactment of participation friendly guidelines can also promote and encourage participation. Keywords-development project, people participation, and urban local government
Developing Country Studies, 2014
The role of civil service in socioeconomic and political development of a country is unquestionab... more The role of civil service in socioeconomic and political development of a country is unquestionable. In some countries, however, the civil service is not aligned with the prevailing ideological, political and economic changes as well as management theories. Moreover, in some countries, especially in Africa, the civil service is blamed as a major cause for social and political upheavals and economic crises because of institutional and capacity weakness. As a result, it is common to see many countries engaged in the reform of their civil service. In 1991, Ethiopia experienced political changes that resulted in the introduction of multi-party system, marketoriented economy and federal form of government. Accordingly, the government introduced civil service reform that includes the issues of human resource development under human resource management reform since 1996. Studies revealed, however, that the implementation process was not going well. This article, therefore, aims to assess the implementation of training and development programs in civil service institutions of Oromia National Regional State in Ethiopia. The findings reveal that though the government is committed in developing a system of human resource development, the implementation is not on the right track to fill the skill gaps evident in the civil service.
Developing Country Studies, 2014
The article evaluates the application of planning standards and norms in the 2006/7 Integrated De... more The article evaluates the application of planning standards and norms in the 2006/7 Integrated Development Plan (IDP) of Bahir Dar and Hawassa Cities. Although planning standards and norms meant to standardize urban land use and function across urban centers of the country have been in existence at the Federal level since 2005, later revised in 2012, their implementation at the city level has not always been as required. This is a review of how the IDP's of Bahir Dar and Hawassa Cities were prepared and have since performed, taking into account the planning standards and norms of the country. The findings expose gaps between what avails as rules and regulations of planning in Ethiopia and what is actual practice on ground in the two cities' plan. In pursuance of the set objective, primary and secondary data was used. The primary data was collected from responses to questionnaires administered on selected households at the Kebele 1 and Sub-city 2 levels in Bahir Dar and Hawassa Cities, respectively. Secondary data used included the development planning schemes-IDPs-of the two cities, both the land use plan and the accompanying socioeconomic report as well as the planning and zoning standard regulation of the country 3. Other secondary data sources were relevant literature, proclamations 4 and web-based information on urban planning in general. A descriptive-type analysis based on seven selected broad land use categories 5 is used in comparing and contrasting the planning effectiveness of the two cities and to measure the extent of compliance with regulation. Based on the findings, it is concluded that a single broad land use category namely, infrastructure and transport complied and met the standard in both Bahir Dar and Hawassa Cities as required. The remaining six broad land use categories did not fit with the earmarked percentage proportions as per the standard for the respective land uses, and deviated by at least 25 percent and at most by 75 percent.
Journal of Environment and Earth Science, 2014
Ethiopia is known as a country with thousands of years of government structure. In contrast, the ... more Ethiopia is known as a country with thousands of years of government structure. In contrast, the modern civil service structure is only about one hundred years old.It was established in 1907 during the reign of Emperor Menelik. However, for almost fifty-five years, there was no legal system that uniformly governed the newly established civil service institutions. In 1962, the first civil service law was enacted with the aim of establishing meritocratic, efficient and effective civil service structure governed by specified rules and procedures. Despite the initiative to improve the civil service and the new laws, the civil service failed to achieve its objectives. After 1991, the current government took initiative to reform the civil service procedures including the human resource management system. The issue of recruitment and selection was one of the components of HRM reform that aimed to achieve a merit-based system. Studies revealed, however, that the implementation process was not going well. This article assesses the implementation of the recruitment and selection process in civil service institutions of Oromia National Regional State. Accordingly, the findings reveal that though the government showed commitment in developing a system that properly guides the process of recruitment and selection, the implementation process is not on track to achieve the desired merit-based system in the civil service sector of the region. 1. Introduction Ethiopia is a country with thousands of years of government structure. Nevertheless, the introduction of modern civil service structure dates only to 1907 during the reign of Emperor Menelik (1889-1913). The focus was just to introduce ministries in the government structure. For almost fifty-five years, there was no uniform legal system that governed the newly established civil service institutions (Atikilt, 1996). The first civil service law known as Order Number 28 was enacted in 1962 during the reign of Emperor Haile Selassie (1930-1974). The aim was to establish meritocratic, efficient and effective civil service governed by specified rules and procedures (Asmelash, 2000).This was the first attempt to consolidate and formalize the functions of civil service and at best was fragmented and sporadic. The law included the issues related to recruitment and selection, salary increment, performance appraisal, job evaluation and assessment, training of civil servants as well as the rights, duties and obligations of the civil servants (Adebabay, 2002).However, despite the initiative to improve the civil service and the new laws, the civil service failed to achieve its objectives (Atikilt, 1996). The problems were reflected in the form of politicization of the recruitment and placement process, high level of political interference and neglect of due process of law in matters of public concerns (MoCB, 2010). After the downfall of the monarchy, the country was ruled under a socialist political ideology of the Dergue regime between the years 1974-1991.However, despite the change in political system the civil service continued to be governed with the same law. During this period, a new parallel party structure was introduced in the civil service with the mandate to assign party functionaries to key decision making positions. As a result, most of the positions at department levels were occupied by political assignees (Mehret and Paulos, 2000). With this, merit and professionalism were undermined once again.In general, the civil service failed to deliver the expected services to the public due to political interference, inefficient service, corruption and centralization of administration (Mehret, 1997). In 1991, the current Ethiopian Government came to power and the introduction of new constitution brought about many political changes. The changes were, the introduction of multi-party system, market-oriented economy and federal form of government that resulted in the creation of nine (9) national regional states including Oromia National Regional State (Getachew and Richard, 2006).As a result, based on problems identified and recommendations forwarded, government took initiatives to reform the civil service in accordance with the changes introduced. Finally, in 1996 the overall civil service program comprising of different components was promulgated for implementation in civil service institutions throughout the country (AH Consulting, 2010).
Psychiatric services (Washington, D.C.), Nov 1, 2016
The purpose of this study was to identify patterns of postdischarge prescription fills following ... more The purpose of this study was to identify patterns of postdischarge prescription fills following an opioid-related hospitalization. Using the 2010-2014 MarketScan Commercial Claims and Encounters database, this analysis identified the percentage of patients (N=36,719) with an opioid-related inpatient admission who received substance use disorder treatment medications within 30 days of being discharged. Thirty-five percent of the sample did not have any prescription fills in the 30-day postdischarge period. Less than a quarter (16.7%) of patients received any FDA-approved opioid dependence medication in the 30 days following discharge. Forty percent of patients in the sample received antidepressants, 15.6% received antipsychotics, 13.9% filled a prescription for a benzodiazepine, and 22.4% filled a prescription for an opioid pain medication. More effort is needed to ensure that patients hospitalized for opioid misuse are receiving recommended services.
Journal of Economics and Sustainable Development, 2014
The Ethiopian financial sector is characterized by low level of development and relatively closed... more The Ethiopian financial sector is characterized by low level of development and relatively closed in nature than its east African neighbors. When we see the main financial development indicators in Ethiopia: branch to population ratio is 62,063 2 ; percentage of adult population which has access to formal credit is 1.197% 3 and ranked 104 4 in the world in getting credit. Consequently the country's financial system is distinguished by its negative real interest rate (-22.5 for saving rate and-21.80 for lending rate) 5 , 85.4% 6 of total loans required collateral and the required collateral as percentage of loan is 234% 7 which is the highest in the sub Saharan Africa. Regarding financial regulation there are two opposing theories; the financial repression school where taken financial regulation in the form interest rate control as important policy tool for developing countries and the liberalization school where considered privatization of the government owned financial institutions and financial liberalization as important policy tool for the sake of efficiency, soundness and to increase competition in the financial sector. In this regard even though the government Ethiopia acknowledges the importance of financial liberalization for the country financial development it follows gradualism approach to liberalization. For those reasons government intervention rate in the Ethiopian financial system is one of the highest (425.03%) 8. In line with this the paper tries to analyze the trends of financial development, the mode of liberalization and type of regulation and supervision in Ethiopia financial sector.