Ethiopian Journal of Governance and Development

THE PERILS AND PROMISES of GULF STATES' ENGAGEMENT IN THE HORN OF AFRICA

Awol Ali Mohammed — Mon, 18 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0300

The Horn of Africa has long been a region of strategic importance, situated at the intersection of global trade routes and geopolitical interests. The Gulf States have emerged as critical regional players in recent years, deepening their political, economic, and security engagement. This research explores the drivers and consequences of the Gulf States' increasing influence in the Horn of Africa. Utilizing a qualitative research approach, the study integrates primary and secondary data sources to investigate the rationales behind the Gulf States' involvement and the impact on inter-state relations in the Horn of Africa. The findings indicate that the region's proximity to the Red Sea, Nile basin, and oil-producing Gulf States has rendered it geopolitically crucial despite its political and economic fragility. The United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar are actively expanding their spheres of influence in the Horn of Africa, mainly by developing commercial ports and military bases along the Red Sea coast. This unprecedented rise in cross-Red Sea cooperation challenges traditional paradigms and erodes established boundaries, introducing new regional rivalries and the potential for increased instability. The study concludes that the Gulf States' growing presence in the Horn of Africa presents both promises and perils for the region. While the engagement has brought economic opportunities, it has also heightened the complexity of regional dynamics, requiring the Horn of Africa countries to navigate these delicate geopolitical waters with care.

COMPARATIVE STUDY OF MULTINATIONAL CORPORATION’S FRAMEWORKS FOR LEGAL ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO INDIA

Saakshi Gupta, Manish Kumar Yadav — Mon, 18 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0300

This paper examines the frameworks multinational corporations (MNCs) use to ensure legal environmental compliance, focusing on practices in India. The study addresses three key areas: Firstly, it analyzes how MNCs from different countries design internal compliance mechanisms to navigate varied environmental regulations worldwide. This includes examining the guidance provided by headquarters to subsidiaries and the autonomy allowed in managing local environmental issues. Secondly, it explores legal doctrines and principles that hold MNCs accountable for environmental harm within India and internationally. This section discusses parent company liability and assesses how effectively existing legal frameworks deter environmental violations. Thirdly, the paper identifies and compares best practices that MNCs in India implement for effective environmental governance, covering environmental risk management, stakeholder engagement, and pollution control strategies. The paper aims to establish benchmarks for enhanced environmental performance across sectors by evaluating these practices. This comparative analysis highlights the strengths and weaknesses of current MNC compliance frameworks in India, offering insights for policymakers to develop stronger regulations and for MNCs to improve environmental stewardship within the Indian context.

THE ROLE OF NGOS IN PEACEBUILDING IN PASTORALIST AND AGRO-PASTORALIST COMMUNITY OF NYANGATOM, HAMMER, AND DASSANECH COMMUNITY OF SOUTH OMO, ETHIOPIA

Asmare Shetahun Alemneh — Mon, 18 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0300

The South OMO zone is conflict-ridden, and efforts are being made to build Peace. This paper indicated that nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) play great roles in peacebuilding and encouraging grassroots peacebuilding initiatives. This study examines the role of NGOs in promoting peacebuilding among Hammer, Dassanech and Nyangatom communities in the south Omo zone using a case study research design to get the experience and beliefs of nongovernmental organizations who engaged in peacebuilding activities to reduce destructive or violent conflicts in the study area. The conflict affected the communities' harmonious relationships and traumatized the residents. NGOs have contributed to peacebuilding activities such as promoting conflict resolution and psycho-social healing through peace education and by participating in conflict reduction programs. The study recommended that NGOs develop conflict intervention mechanisms for peacebuilding, such as participating in economic empowerment and livelihood diversification programmes. In addition, the government peace apparatus should work with Nongovernmental organizations at the local level to take action on the spoiler of Peace.

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

Misganu Gabayo — Mon, 18 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0300

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

ROLE OF THE INTERNATIONAL COURT OF JUSTICE IN GLOBAL GOVERNANCE WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO THE JADHAV CASE (INDIA VS PAKISTAN, 2017)

Pushkar Sejwal, Manish Kumar Yadav — Mon, 18 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0300

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) plays a significant role in global governance by providing a platform for resolving international disputes and upholding international law. One case that exemplifies the importance of ICJ’s role in global governance is the Jadhav Case, a high-profile legal battle between India and Pakistan in 2017. This paper explores the Jadhav Case. Through a detailed examination of the proceedings, pleadings, and judgments of the ICJ, the paper also evaluates the Court's role in affirming the principles of international law, including the right to consular access, fair trial, and protection against arbitrary detention. Overall, this paper contributes to understanding the ICJ’s role in global governance and underscores the significance of its interventions in upholding international law and resolving disputes, as demonstrated by the Jadhav Case.

IMPACT OF CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY ON ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION: INSIGHTS FROM SENSELET FOOD PROCESSING PRIVATE LIMITED COMPANY, HAGEREMARIAM, NORTH SHEWA ZONE, ETHIOPIA

Adafrew Adane Tufa , Sivakumar Somasundaram — Mon, 18 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0300

This study aims to assess Senselet Food Processing PLC's corporate social responsibility (hereafter, CSR) activities and their effects on environmental conservation. Corporate social responsibility pertains to the accountability of businesses or corporations for their societal effects and outcomes. It emphasizes how their commercial operations should incorporate social, environmental, and economic considerations. Both a qualitative research method and a descriptive survey were used in the study. Thirteen key informants, including representatives from the local and federal governments, the company under investigation, and twenty-four focus group discussion (FGD) participants from the surrounding communities, were chosen through purposeful sampling techniques for scheduled interviews. Primary, secondary, and mixed data sources, along with quantitative and qualitative data, were employed in this study. Findings portray the need for Senselet to establish a structured CSR framework, enhance managerial capacity, and actively collaborate with local communities for environmental conservation. The study concludes that Senselet demonstrates potential in economic CSR, but its social and environmental contributions require significant improvement to achieve holistic sustainability. Recommendations include creating a dedicated CSR department, fostering community partnerships, and aligning with regulatory frameworks to ensure environmental conservation.

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF SOUTH SUDANESE REFUGEES ON HOST COMMUNITIES IN ITANG SPECIAL DISTRICT, GAMBELLA REGIONAL STATE, ETHIOPIA

Dobuol Yang — Mon, 18 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0300

In countries with large refugee settlements, such as Ethiopia, the effect of refugee settlement on host communities is certain. Thus, the Gambella region hosted 46,537 refugees in the Kule camp from 2016 to 2020. This has caused tremendous pressure on the host community by greatly impacting socioeconomic, environmental and political life. This study examines the environmental impacts of South Sudanese refugees following their arrival in the region, specifically focusing on the opening of the Kule refugee camp in Itang Special District, encompassing three kebeles. Employing a qualitative case study approach, the research utilized purposive sampling techniques. Data were collected from 20 key informants, and five group discussions with six participants were conducted. The study aimed to provide an analytical and interpretive qualitative analysis supplemented by relevant documents. It investigated the host communities' environmental concerns and perceptions. This approach allows for understanding the host communities' ongoing changes and the refugee settlement's initial impact. It highlights the need for the host country to clearly define its position on securing the local situation, allowing refugees to integrate with residents for mutual benefit. The findings indicate that refugees have brought with them challenges such as mismanaged waste, damage to public schools, displacement of host communities, prostitution, deforestation, and a significant loss of livestock, all of which have had severe adverse effects on the local economy.

MEMBERS’ ATTITUDE ON GOOD GOVERNANCE IN PRIMARY AGRICULTURAL MULTIPURPOSE COOPERATIVES IN BAKO TIBE DISTRICT, WEST SHOWA ZONE, OROMIA REGIONAL STATE OF ETHIOPIA

Karthikeyan Muthumariappan, Gadisa Fekadu Gutu — Mon, 18 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0300

Attitude is a hypothetical construct used to explain the direction and persistence of human behaviour. It provides a convenient and efficient way to summarize, explain, and predict behaviour. This study explored members’ attitudes toward good governance in their Multipurpose Cooperatives in Bako Tibe District, West Showa Zone, Oromia Regional State. The objectives of the research included describing the demographic and socio-economic characteristics of respondents, assessing members’ attitudes toward their cooperatives' performance, and analyzing the variables influencing members’ attitudes. A total of 159 sample respondents (145 male and 44 female) were selected, with six focus group discussions (FGDs) and one key informant interview (KII) conducted. Primary data were collected from the sample respondents, FGDs, and KIIs.As to demographic and socio-economic characteristics of respondents, the descriptive statistics result showed that the majority of the respondents attained middle age category, most of them were male respondents, and most had social participation only with farmers’ association with low level of exposure to mass media. Regarding occupation, most respondents adapted to agriculture, and almost all opined that cooperatives were not service as a source of borrowing. Regarding the members’ attitudes towards their cooperatives' performance, most of the members' respondents have negative attitudes towards their performance. Besides, the Logistic Regression Model showed that social participation, duration of cooperative membership, understanding of cooperatives, motivation, and knowledge about cooperatives have a statistically significant positive effect on the members’ attitude towards their cooperatives at a P-value of less than 0.05. In contrast, land size has a statistically significant negative effect at a p-value of less than 0.05. Therefore, social, economic, and psycho-behavioural variables were the most influential variables in members’ attitudes towards their cooperatives, which influenced good governance.