THE ROLE OF GOVERNANCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE VALUES IN SHAPING RURAL LIVELIHOOD STRATEGIES: THE CASE OF POST-1991 SCENARIO IN ETHIOPIA

Abstract

Ethiopia has demonstrated a significant shift in the country's approach to rural development since the fall of the Derg regime in 1991. The new government has made concerted efforts to decentralize power and decision-making, giving local authorities and communities more autonomy. This, in theory, should allow for more responsive and tailored policies that better address the unique needs and challenges rural populations face. However, the reality on the ground has been somewhat more complicated. While there have been some notable successes, such as expanding essential services and infrastructure in many rural areas, implementing these policies has often been hampered by a lack of capacity, resources, and coordination at the local level. The administrative values and priorities of the central government have continued to exert a strong influence on the direction of rural development. There has been a persistent emphasis on large-scale, top-down initiatives, such as promoting commercial agriculture and resettling communities, which have not always aligned with rural residents' livelihood strategies and preferences. This tension between the aspirations of the state and the realities of rural life has led to a complex and sometimes contentious relationship between governance structures and the communities they are meant to serve. Moreover, of course, anyone cannot ignore the broader socioeconomic and environmental factors that have also shaped rural livelihoods in this period, such as the impacts of climate change, market fluctuations, and demographic shifts. These external forces have further complicated the picture, requiring rural communities to be increasingly resilient and adaptable in the face of uncertainty. The role of governance and administrative values in shaping rural livelihood strategies in post-1991 Ethiopia has been complex and multifaceted, with both successes and challenges. It is an issue that requires a nuanced understanding of the interplay between policy, implementation, and the lived realities of rural communities. This paper aims to study the role of governance and administrative values in shaping rural livelihood strategies in post-1991 scenario in Ethiopia