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DRIVERS FOR SECURITIZATION AND DE-SECURITIZATION OVER THE NEGOTIATION OF THE GRAND ETHIOPIAN RENAISSANCE DAM
This study examined the drivers of securitization and de-securitization discourse over the negotiation of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam Project (GERD). The study employed a qualitative research approach in which data were gathered mainly from secondary sources such as journal articles, conference papers, books, riparian countries' water policy, report of the International Panel of Experts (IPoE) on GERD, governmental and intergovernmental organizations' briefings and statements. The central argument is that Egypt's securitization ofGERD as an existential water security threat is neither an actual nor a perceived threat. Current water scarcity in Egypt is not due to the hydropower projects of Ethiopia, like the Tana Beles and Tekezze hydroelectric power projects. Rather, water scarcity is largely attributed to Egypt’s poor water management, high evaporation at High Aswan Dam, and primitive irrigation system, and water-intensive agriculture. The study also identified that the discourse of absolute Nile water dependency and Egypt’s notion of ‘water security’ are the major drivers of Egypt’s securitization approach on GERD. However, the study shows that Egypt’s absolute Nile water dependency discourse is a myth. Rather, Egypt is a groundwater-endowed country with infinite access to seawater, so that its historicism of the Nile as a matter of life and death is a fabricated myth. Based on this, the author argues that GERD is an invented fictitious threat, neither has a legal ground nor is supported by scientific research. On the other hand, Ethiopia uses a tactical securitization-cum-desecuritization approach over the GERD issue using principles ofinternational water law, such as equitable and reasonable utilization, discourses of the right to development, and poverty reduction. Thus, two kinds of transformation are needed. On the part of Egypt, the securitizing actors should bring the securitized GERD into the realm of normal politics. On the part of Ethiopia, it should deconstruct the unwarranted myth of Egypt on GERD in particular and the Nile in general through proactive discourse targeting the international community, regional organizations, Nile River Basin countries, media, and the wider Egyptian public
THE ROLE OF LEGISLATION ON URBAN LAND REGISTRATION ENFORCEMENT IN ETHIOPIA: THE CASE OF AMHARA NATIONAL REGIONAL STATE
The Amhara National Regional State (ANRS) has undertaken urban land registration through the financial loan grant, primarily from the World Bank, since the early 2000s. However, the coverage of land registration practice remains low. This paper begins the journey of exploring the mechanisms by which legislative and other institutional processes could play a better role in the success of land registration systems. Such a study inquiring into the causal relationship between legislation and land registration enforcement is unprecedented in Ethiopia. The paper utilizes project documents and mainstream secondary literature to construct a conceptual framework. It applies qualitative research methods of data analysis with a case study approach. Descriptive, exploratory, and analytical research analysis were employed. The research explores processes, activities, and events in the form of narration. The paper concludes that gaps in the legislation development on land registration and land management have negatively contributed to the lowperformance of urban land registration in Ethiopia. The paper suggests that taking a few steps to fill the gaps in the current legislative framework could enhance the contribution of legislative development for improved land management in urban centers of Amhara region, with implications for the whole country
Remittance Receiving Status, Determinants and its Usage: Evidence from Rural Households in Tigray, Northern Ethiopia
This study examines the determinants of remittance receipt and its utilization among rural agricultural households in Tigray, Ethiopia. Using a cross-sectional survey of 521 randomly selected households across six Tabias in three Weredas, the study employs logistic regression, Multivariate Linear Regression and descriptive statistics to analyze remittance status, determinants, patterns and usage. Findings reveal that 71.5% of households receive remittances. Key determinants include the number of dependents and household literacy status, while asset ownership shows no significant impact. The study aligns with the New Economics of Labor Migration (NELM) theory, suggesting migration as a risk diversification strategy. However, remittances are predominantly used for consumption, 69.8% of remittances spent on daily needs, only 4.6% for livestock; 10.3% for labor hiring, underscoring the need for policies to enhance their developmental impact such train households to invest remittances
MATHEMATICAL MODEL FOR MEASLES TRANSMISSION CONTROL THROUGH AGE-STRUCTURED VACCINATION.
The abstract presents a mathematical model designed to control measles transmission through age-structured vaccination. Vaccination is pivotal in controlling this contagious disease, and the model investigates various aspects such as existence and uniqueness, minimal recurrence rate, stability analysis of local and global equilibria, and sensitivity analysis. Utilizing the Homotopy Perturbation Method for numerical analysis, the model assesses the impact of target parameters. Results indicate that vaccination emerges as a potent and efficient control policy, effectively flattening the disease curve. This underscores the significance of vaccination strategies in curbing measles transmission
Fattening Practices, Marketing Systems and Body Weight Estimation of Beef Cattle in Arba Minch Zuria District, Gamo Zone, Southern Ethiopia
Cattle fattening is a significant agricultural practice in Ethiopia, contributing to food security and the livelihoods of many rural households. The study was conducted to assess cattle fattening practices, marketing systems, constraints, opportunities and to predict body weight of beef cattle in Arba Minch Zuria District of Gamo Zone, Southern Ethiopia. Selected purposively for its cattle fattening potential and accessibility, the district was stratified into three agroecological zones. Six representative kebeles were proportionally selected based on their agroecological variation, and 162 households were systematically sampled. Utilizing formal surveys, a cross-sectional analysis employing one-way ANOVA and cross-tabulations was conducted. Mixed crop-livestock farming system was primary means of livelihood in the study area. The main purpose of fattening cattle was for income generation (100%). The fattening period was depended on body condition and target market availability. The main market place for the fattened cattle was local nearby market. Only eye ball estimation was used during purchasing and selling of fattened cattle. Significantly higher body condition score was observed in low land agro-ecology than highland agro-ecology. The main challenge to fattening were shortage of feed and grazing land. The seasonality of markets followed by road and transportation problems and low market price was major problems for fattened cattle. To overcome the shortage of feed resource through enhancing extension service on improved forage cultivation and conservation practice, urea treatment for crop residues and to provide agro-industrial by product for fattened cattle as source of supplementary feed resource
Assessment of Cardio-Respiratory Fitness-With Special Reference to Body Composition Profile of Bahir Dar University Boys
This study aimed to investigate the relationship between cardio-respiratory fitness and body composition among second- and third-year students at Bahir Dar University Sport Academy. A total of 30 students were selected using stratified random sampling to ensure representation across different academic years and fitness levels. Data collection involved various morpho-physiological parameters, including height, weight, body fat percentage, lean body mass, body mass index (BMI), somatotyping, maximum aerobic capacity, anaerobic threshold, and heart rate, utilizing equipment such as audiometers, weighing scales, sliding calipers, and flexible Harpenden skinfold calipers.The results indicated a mean BMI of 22.04 ± 2.01 kg/m², with body fat percentage at 20.9 ± 4.68 and lean body mass at 52.04 ± 10.25 kg. The subjects exhibited higher lean body mass, contributing to improved aerobic fitness. Somatotyping revealed mean values of endomorphic, mesomorphic, and ectomorphic components as 5.34 ± 1.56, 5.70 ± 0.87, and 3.0 ± 1.15, respectively. A negative correlation (-0.138) was found between BMI and maximum aerobic capacity, while positive correlations were observed between BMI and anaerobic threshold heart rate, maximum heart rate, and heart rate reserve (0.46, 0.07, and 0.39).The study concludes that the autonomic nervous system significantly regulates cardiovascular health and energy expenditure, thereby influencing body composition. Increased physical activity is essential for managing body fat, enhancing glucose control, and improving mental health, particularly among youth. Promoting active lifestyles is crucial to mitigate the risks associated with physical inactivity
AN APPRAISAL ON THE LEGAL PROTECTION OF HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDERS IN ETHIOPIA
Human rights defenders (HRDs) play a role in the solidification of democracy and the realization of fundamental rights and freedoms of individuals; they are crucial for the firming-up of democratic institutions. However, as they challenge the incumbent and the dominant non-state actors, HRDs are frequently victims of state and non-state actors. Subsequently, they need strong protection and attention from the government and the international community. Governments need to provide them with adequate protection and adopt robust means of doing this. Governments also need to recognize the work of HRDs as an opportunity rather than a threat to the incumbent, it is essential to allow them to perform their activities effectively and safely. This paper analyses the pertinentlegal frameworks designed for the protection or otherwise of HRDs in Ethiopia. However, it doesn't address their institutional issues and all their rights, rather, it concerns freedom of expression, the right to assembly and demonstration, and the right to association. In doing so, the current legislative reform measure and its fruits areinvestigated instead of the rights of HRDs. Major legal documents, including international, regional, and domestic legal instruments, are critically investigated. The findings reveal that the legal protection of HRDs before the reform measure was terrifying and targeted HRDs. Most of the legal documents were draconian and had a chillingeffect on the work of HRDS in Ethiopia. After 2018, due to the legal and institutional reforms in the country, the protection of the rights of HRDs seems very promising. However, there are still legal gaps needing critical revision for their better protection in Ethiopia
DEVELOPMENTAL STATE MODEL VIS-À-VIS MULTILEVEL GOVERNANCE: AN ASSESSMENT OF THE ETHIOPIAN EXPERIENCE
Ethiopia’s experiment with the developmental state model (DSM) within its federal system has been widely contested on the grounds of its compatibility with the country’s constitutional democratic and federal system of governance. The study examines the state ofdemocratic federalism under the DSM, as once pursued by the now-defunct Ethiopian Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF). The study employs a qualitative research methodology anchored on a retrospective study approach where data is collected through in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and desk review of a broad range of official government and party documents. The study argues that even though the model tends to favor centralized state structure and authoritarian governance system, these features, however, are not necessarily inherent features of the model, as the experiences of countries like India and South Africa demonstrate, which managed to build democratic developmental states under constitutionally decentralized state structures. The article argues that Ethiopia’s experiment with DSM had largely been characterized by centralized and authoritarian governance, especially after the 2005 national election, when EPRDF began taking a series of measures meant to establish developmentalism as a hegemonic ideology. The result was de facto one-party rule that contributed not only to shrinking democratic space but also to undermining multilevel governance. This has had far-reaching repercussions in shaping the course of politics in the country, eventually triggering a reshuffle within the country’s top leadership in 2018 and a profound shift in power balance and dynamics within the country’s currentpolitical landscape
Predictors of the Achievement of Primary School Students in Sciences and Mathematics in North Western Ethiopia
This study explores the key factors that shape students’ performance in science and mathematics among primary school students in Northwestern Ethiopia. Using a cross-sectional design, data were gathered from 2,928 students enrolled in 24 primary schools between January and April 2016. The schools and participants were selected through a two-stage stratified random sampling method. Information was collected using structured questionnaires and interviews with students, teachers, and school administrators. The results indicate that poor teacher performance, especially in science and mathematics, and a shortage of qualified teachers are major barriers to student achievement. Low teacher motivation and limited access to learning resources, such as textbooks and library facilities, further compound the problem. Gender differences were also considered that male students generally scored higher in science and mathematics, whereas female students showed strong interest and attitudes toward language subjects. Factor analysis revealed weak connections between teacher–student interactions and overall school engagement, suggesting gaps in the learning environment. Multivariate analysis identified school type, gender, availability of textbooks, and access to teaching materials as significant predictors of academic success. Multilevel modeling showed considerable variation in student achievement between schools, with an intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) of 0.664, highlighting the strong role of school-level conditions in shaping learning outcomes. Overall, the findings call for comprehensive measures to strengthen school infrastructure, improve teacher training and motivation, and provide better academic support for students both at school and at home. Strengthening these areas is essential to raise achievement levels in science and mathematics and to ensure more equitable educational outcomes across schools in the region
Determinants of Intention to Buy Packaged Foods and Drinks in Ethiopia: Evidence from a Cross-Sectional Survey Design
Consumers’ buying decisions are very dynamic and complex. Various factors, including perceptions,behaviors, and attitudes influence consumer purchase intentions for Packaged foods and beverages. In light of the rising consumption of packaged foods and beverages, this study examines the psychological factors that influence consumer behavior and purchasing decisions in the Central, North, and South Gondar Zone, Ethiopia. A cross-sectional survey design was employed to achieve this. Using a convenient sampling technique, 411 respondents were selected. The data was collected using a standardized instrument that measures the buying intentions of customer behavior and analyzed through descriptive and inferential statistics. The finding indicates that the independent variables (attitude, perceived value, perceived quality, advertisement, packaging, and price) explain 34.3 % of the variance in intention to buy a product. Consumers' attitude to a product is the most important predictor of buying intention, followed by the perceived quality of a product. The study concludes that psychological attributes, specifically consumers' attitudes towards a product and perceptions of its quality, play a pivotal role in the decision to purchase packaged foods and beverages. The study recommends that marketing strategies prioritize psychological attributes, specifically consumers' attitudes and perceived product quality, as fundamental drivers of purchase behavior of packaged foods and drinks