This study was conducted in the city of Bahir Dar to investigate trends, situations, impacts and measures of begging. It employed mixed research methods, and cross-sectional and approximating longitudinal design with cross-sectional designs, and an integrated vulnerability model which focuses on cross-cutting combination of socially produced vulnerability and natural hazards leading to peoples' vulnerability which in turn exposes them to begging. It involved 98 participants drawn from beggars; officers from governmental, non-governmental and community based organizations; leaders of religious organizations; the public; tourists and a tour guide by employing census, convenience and purposive techniques of sampling. While qualitative data collected through in-depth and key informant interviews, personal observation and survey data having qualitative nature were analyzed through content and thematic analysis, quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics with SPSS for windows version 20.
The findings revealed that Bahir Dar city shows an ever increasing trend of beggars largely fueled by rural migrants. Sizable portions of beggars are physically strong; actively participate in different income generating activities in addition to begging; hate their begging and have strong desire to withdraw from it. However, they live in degrading and discriminatory type of social life; one of the unhealthiest life styles and poor access to basic services the urban life demands. By obstructing traffic and tourist flows, and participating in deviant and criminal acts, beggars in the city presented pressing socio-economic and health impacts on themselves, residents, city’s security and tourism development.
Dealing with the issue of begging in the city, however, was found at a nascent stage with the involvement of only one Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) and continual shift of responsible government bodies; poor coordination among many and lack of it with some of the concerned organizations. Currently, one of the most responsible government bodies in the region, BoLSA, has only 23.57% coverage to 140 districts. Therefore, due concern should be given by all governmental, non-governmental, religious and development organizations to act independently and jointly to deal with the impacts of begging by creating public consciousness, mobilizing the public and conducting multidisciplinary research aimed to deal with the subject.
Table of Contents
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
1.3 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
1.4 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
1.5 DELIMITATION OF THE STUDY
1.6 ORGANIZATION OF THE THESIS
CHAPTER TWO
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
2.1 CONCEPTUAL DEFINITION OF KEY TERMS
2.2 THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK
2.2.1 Structural Functionalism
2.2.2 Rational Choice Theory
2.2.3 Exchange Theory
2.2.4 The Culture of Poverty Theory
2.2.5 Integrated Vulnerability Model (IVM)
2.3 REVIEW OF RELATED EMPIRICAL STUDIES
2.3.1 Global Experiences
2.3.2 African Experience
2.3.3 Ethiopian Experience
2.3.4 Begging in Bahir Dar
2.4 SITUATIONS OF BEGGARS
2.5 IMPACTS OF BEGGING
2.6 MEASURES TAKEN TO DEAL WITH BEGGING
CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3.1 DESCRIPTION OF THE STUDY AREA
3.2 DURATION OF THE STUDY
3.3 RESEARCH APPROACH
3.4 SOURCES OF DATA
3.5 METHODS OF DATA COLLECTION
3.5.1 Survey
3.5.2 In- Depth Interview
3.5.3 Key Informant Interview
3.5.4 Observation
3.6 SUMMARY OF METHODOLOGICAL TRIANGULATION
3.7 VALIDITY AND RELIABILITY
3.8 ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS
3.9 FIELD WORK EXPERIENCES
CHAPTER FOUR
SITUATIONS OF BEGGARS
4.1 INTRODUCTION
4.2 TRENDS OF BEGGING IN BAHIR DAR CITY
4.2.1 Trends along Demographic and Residential Categories of Beggars
4.2.2 Trends along Places of Begging
4.2.3 Trends in Techniques of Begging
4.2.4 Trends in Almsgiving Practice of People
4.2.5 Trends in Income of Beggars
4.3 SITUATIONS OF BEGGARS BEFORE THEY START BEGGING
4.3.1 Beggars Experience of Work Before They Start Begging
4.3.2 Beggars Assets Before They Start Begging
4.4 CURRENT SITUATIONS OF BEGGARS IN BAHIR DAR CITY
4.4.1 Social Situations of Beggars
4.4.2 Economic Situations of Beggars
4.4.3 Health Situations of Beggars
4.4.4 Results of Some Extended In-Depth Interviews from Beggars
CHAPTER FIVE
IMPACTS OF BEGGING AND MEASURES TAKEN TO DEAL WITH IT
5.1 IMPACTS OF BEGGING
5.1.1 Economic Impacts
5.1.2 Health Impacts
5.1.3 Social Impacts
5.1.4 Impacts on Residents, the City and Its Tourism Development
5.2 MEASURES TAKEN TO DEAL WITH BEGGING
5.2.1 Measures Taken By the Government
5.2.2 Measures Taken By Religious and Non-Governmental Organizations
5.2.3 Measures Taken By the Public
5.2.4 Responses from Beggars on Measures of Begging
CHAPTER SIX
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
6.1. SUMMARY OF MAJOR FINDINGS
6.1.1 Trends in Begging
6.1.2 Situations of Beggars and Impacts of Begging
6.1.3 Measures Taken To Deal with Begging
6.2 CONCLUSIONS
6.3 RECOMMENDATIONS
Research Objectives and Themes
This study aims to investigate the trends, situations, impacts, and management of begging within the rapidly growing city of Bahir Dar, Ethiopia, by addressing the following primary research questions regarding the socioeconomic status and living conditions of the beggar population.
- The socioeconomic situations of individuals prior to becoming beggars.
- The current status and lifestyle of beggars residing in Bahir Dar.
- The socioeconomic, health, and tourism-related impacts of begging on the city and its inhabitants.
- The effectiveness and scope of current interventions and measures implemented by various stakeholders.
- The role of rural-urban migration and socioeconomic vulnerability in the proliferation of street begging.
Excerpt from the Book
2.2.2 Rational Choice Theory
Individual decision-making where actors are seen as purposive or rational beings that have ends or goals and preferences (or values, utilities) for their actions is the focus of this theory (Ritzer 2008). Viewed from this theory, beggars make rational calculations as to when, where and from whom to beg and which techniques to employ so as to endlessly obtain support from others. However, it ignores the role of plethora of factors beyond free decision of individuals to beg. It also accords human beings the status of greedy money seekers who sell themselves for money.
Summary of Chapters
CHAPTER ONE: Provides the contextual background, problem statement, research objectives, and the significance of the study on begging in Bahir Dar.
CHAPTER TWO: Explores relevant literature, defines key terms, and establishes a theoretical framework using Structural Functionalism, Rational Choice Theory, Exchange Theory, the Culture of Poverty, and the Integrated Vulnerability Model.
CHAPTER THREE: Details the research methodology, including the study area, data sources, collection methods, and the application of triangulation for validity and ethical considerations.
CHAPTER FOUR: Analyzes the collected data regarding the trends in begging, the demographic and residential patterns, and the socio-economic and health situations of beggars.
CHAPTER FIVE: Discusses the economic, social, and health impacts of begging, while evaluating the measures taken by government, religious, and non-governmental organizations to address the phenomenon.
CHAPTER SIX: Summarizes the major findings, presents conclusions derived from the research, and provides recommendations for future interventions and policy improvements.
Keywords
Begging, Bahir Dar, Urbanization, Socioeconomic Status, Vulnerability, Integrated Vulnerability Model, Rural-Urban Migration, Almsgiving, Social Policy, Public Health, Poverty, Tourism, Street Life, Employment, Ethiopia.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research?
The research investigates the prevalence, situations, and impacts of the phenomenon of begging in the city of Bahir Dar, Ethiopia, and assesses how various stakeholders currently manage it.
What are the central themes addressed in the work?
The key themes include the growth trends of the beggar population, the socioeconomic factors driving individuals to beg, the impact of begging on city safety and tourism, and the efficacy of current intervention policies.
What is the primary objective of this thesis?
The primary objective is to examine the situation of beggars and the impacts of their presence on the city's tourism and safety, while simultaneously assessing the measures taken by authorities and the public to reduce these impacts.
What scientific methods were employed?
The study utilized a sequential mixed methods approach, combining cross-sectional surveys with qualitative data collected through in-depth and key informant interviews, as well as personal observation and methodological triangulation.
What does the main body of the work cover?
The main body covers a comprehensive review of literature and theoretical frameworks, a rigorous methodology section, and two chapters dedicated to the analysis of empirical data on beggars' situations, the impacts of their activities, and the institutional measures taken to address the issue.
Which keywords characterize the study?
The study is best characterized by terms such as begging, urbanization, vulnerability, Ethiopia, socioeconomic impacts, and social policy.
How does the study link begging to the tourism industry in Bahir Dar?
The study highlights how the concentration of beggars in tourist-frequented areas serves as an obstacle to tourist flow, impacts the city's image, and contributes to a complex dilemma regarding the safety and enjoyment of foreign visitors.
What specific finding does the research report regarding the health of beggars?
The research finds that most beggars live in unhygienic conditions with limited access to basic sanitary services, which exacerbates their health issues and poses potential risks of communicable diseases to the wider community.
- Citar trabajo
- Dessalegn Mekuriaw (Autor), 2015, Begging in a fast growing city. Situations and impacts in Bahir Dar, Múnich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/507655
