The focus of this paper is to examine the responses of NGOs and governmental bodies joint efforts in drought mitigation programs of southern Ethiopia, East Guji Oromo drought vulnerable areas in the 20th century. The manuscript also explores the role of thus bodies and the perceptions of local communities towards those organization intervention extents and ways of assistance to occurred hardships. Likewise, the article also tries to look, assess and well exhibit a well-known and still active NGOs in the area and their individual paramount participation, efforts and roles in the drought vulnerable areas of East Guji Zone, and types of aid, assistance, donation and empowering of the vulnerable communities; joint works with governmental organizations like RRC or DPPC and others in crisis anticipation, intervention and rehabilitation activities.
Like other African countries, Ethiopians have a tradition of helping and supporting mean in times of difficulties or normal times through religious and community based organizations or civil society’s institutions for long periods of time. Some of those Ethiopian traditional self-help associations are, Idr, Mahibar, Equb, Dabo and others. Thus traditional self -help institutions and religious organizations have played a great role by leading a good ground for the introduction of local and international NGOs, modern financing systems like:-banking and macro and micro financial enterprises, and by facilitating Ethiopia’s development and growth. As an example, equb is considered as an effective traditional saving association. Members contribute a certain amount of money usually every month and they give priorities for poor and the needy members to take the first collected money.
Table of Contents
1. INTRODUCTION
2. International and Local NGOs in the East Guji Zone
3. Overview of NGOs Response to the Eastern Guji Periodical Droughts
4. Governmental and NGOs Joint Efforts in Drought Mitigation Program
4.1 DPPC’s Crisis Anticipation and Early Warning System
5. Save the Children and Funds
6. DUBAF/a Local NGO and its funds
7. Cooperazione Internazionale /COOPI/ and Funds
8. Community Perceptions of the Response
9. CONCLUSION
Objectives and Research Themes
The primary objective of this study is to examine the collaborative efforts between non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and governmental bodies in addressing drought mitigation in the southern Ethiopian region of the East Guji Zone. The research investigates the evolution of humanitarian interventions, the effectiveness of early warning systems, and the socio-economic impact of these organizations on vulnerable pastoralist communities.
- The transition from emergency relief to long-term developmental activities by NGOs.
- The role of traditional and modern early warning systems in disaster preparedness.
- Empowerment programs targeting women, including literacy, education, and micro-financing.
- Local community perceptions regarding the efficacy and cultural impact of humanitarian aid.
- Collaborative frameworks between governmental disaster management bodies and relief organizations.
Excerpt from the Book
Overview of NGOs Response to the Eastern Guji Periodical Droughts
For long periods of time the East Guji pastoralist people were not beneficiaries from the central government incentives and other benefits. For instance, governmental social service institutions like: School, health care, infrastructural and water supply facilities were mostly unknown among the East Guji. There was only one, health care center at Adola-Wayo or Kibra-Mangest (Ayinalem, 1998; Jamjam, 2007).
As a result, majorities of the East Guji people have been suffering from lack of medical and education facilities. However for a long time, they were forced to pay taxes and tributes both in cash and in kind for the central government. In addition to inter clan conflicts and security problems, periodical droughts and famine affected the East Guji communities severely (Ayinalem, 1998).
Like famine victims in Wallo and Tigray and the central government failed to provide emergency food to East Guji communities. According to the 1980 EMEEC annual report, in the years of 1972/73, and 1976/78 drought and famine period’s more than 13,500 East Guji peoples faced acute food shortage. And the responses of NGOs were scarce or rare due to insecurity in the area caused by the Somalia irredentist rebels, shiftas (bandits) and robbers. Relief efforts were further hampered by the outbreak of the Ethio-Somalia war in July 1977. As a result a military base was set up at Nagale town. Somali irredentists tried to bring the East Guji and Borana ethnic groups into conflict. But, Ethiopian officials could manage to avoid the conflict (Alula, 1992; Peter, 2010).
Summary of Chapters
INTRODUCTION: Discusses the historical context of Ethiopian self-help institutions and the eventual emergence of NGOs as essential relief providers.
International and Local NGOs in the East Guji Zone: Tracks the historical arrival of relief organizations in the region and their evolving presence in remote pastoralist areas.
Overview of NGOs Response to the Eastern Guji Periodical Droughts: Analyzes the challenges faced by local communities during historical famine events and the initial limitations of NGO interventions.
Governmental and NGOs Joint Efforts in Drought Mitigation Program: Explores the shift from reactive relief to proactive government-NGO partnerships, emphasizing the development of early warning systems.
Save the Children and Funds: Details the transition of Save the Children from emergency food aid to multifaceted development projects focusing on gender equality and education.
DUBAF/a Local NGO and its funds: Highlights the establishment and impact of a locally-led NGO focused on community-based solutions and traditional crisis anticipation methods.
Cooperazione Internazionale /COOPI/ and Funds: Examines the role of an international organization in implementing rural water projects and modern agricultural support.
Community Perceptions of the Response: Reviews how local community members evaluate the effectiveness of external aid and their concerns regarding dependency and cultural shift.
CONCLUSION: Synthesizes the effectiveness of collaborative efforts and the shift towards long-term resilience as a key strategy for the future.
Keywords
Drought, NGOs, Government, Ethiopia, East Guji, Pastoralism, Famine, Disaster Mitigation, Early Warning System, Women Empowerment, Humanitarian Aid, Rural Development, Community Participation, Livestock Diversification, Relief Operations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research paper?
The paper focuses on assessing the joint efforts of governmental bodies and NGOs in implementing drought mitigation programs in the East Guji Zone of southern Ethiopia throughout the 20th century and beyond.
What are the central themes discussed in the study?
The central themes include the historical development of relief organizations, the shift from emergency food aid to sustainable development, gender empowerment, and the role of local traditional knowledge in early warning systems.
What is the primary objective or research question?
The primary objective is to investigate how collaborative interventions between the government and NGOs have impacted the livelihood of pastoralist communities and whether these interventions have effectively addressed the root causes of famine.
Which scientific methods were employed?
The study utilizes historical data analysis, review of institutional reports, and qualitative insights from local informants, including community leaders and beneficiaries, to assess intervention outcomes.
What is covered in the main body of the work?
The main body examines specific organizational case studies (Save the Children, DUBAF, COOPI), the evolution of the governmental early warning system (DPPC), and an evaluation of community perceptions of the aid provided.
Which keywords best describe this publication?
The work is best characterized by terms such as drought, humanitarian aid, pastoralism, disaster mitigation, NGO impact, and socio-economic empowerment.
How did traditional organizations influence modern NGO intervention?
Traditional Ethiopian self-help institutions like 'Idir' and 'Equb' provided a social foundation of mutual aid, which facilitated the later integration of more formal, structured NGO assistance programs.
Why are women specifically highlighted in the organizational activities?
Women are highlighted because they are often the most vulnerable group in pastoralist societies. Organizations provide them with literacy training, hostelling services for girls, and revolving funds to increase their economic decision-making power.
What is the significance of the shift from food aid to developmental projects?
The shift is significant because it aims to reduce dependency on short-term relief, focusing instead on long-term sustainability through education, infrastructure, and livestock diversification.
- Quote paper
- Mengesha Robso (Author), 2021, Assessment of Government and NGOs Joint Efforts and Role in Drought Mitigation Program. The Case of East Guji Zone Drought Vulnerable Areas, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/997754
