Center–periphery relations,local governance and conflicts in Ethiopia: the experience of Metekel province

In Ethiopia, the study and issue of center–periphery relations is not an easy task. It has remained complex and dynamics as it has been dictated and shaped by ever changing socio-economic relations, state ideology and structure. A case in point is Metekel region, which had been characterized by under development, lowland, hot climate and traditional way of life. Until post-1991developments, Metekel was peripheral in relation to the central state. It was an area of confrontation and conflict. Owing to the structural weakness of the centre, successive rulers of the area did not command effective control over it. Focusing on Gumuz, a Nilo-Saharan family, on one hand, and highlanders and new settlers, on the other, this essay examined the main features and dynamics of center–periphery relations, governance and conflicts in Metekel area. The sources, both primary and secondary, have been carefully examined based on the objectives of the study.     

The role of local stakeholders in transforming economic upgrading into social upgrading in Ethiopian textile and garment firms

The authors examine the links between economic and social upgrading in a developing country with stringent industry policy and employment legislation, focusing on the strategies of local firms participating in global apparel production networks. Based on the 2015 case studies of five textile and garment firms in Ethiopia, they find that employment security and physical well-being were driven mainly by government labour regulations negotiated by local employers, workers and trade unions rather than by global buyers and conclude that upgrading and downgrading can occur simultaneously within a firm.     

The development and management of social workers in Ethiopia: A situational analysis

Social protection has become a policy of choice to address rising vulnerabilities and inequalities in Africa. Successful implementation of social protection polices requires proliferation of competent social workers. This article first abstracts elements of an emerging international norm in a comprehensive system for the development and management of social workers and then reviews the extent to which Ethiopia has introduced these elements. It reveals that Ethiopia is in a very early stage in putting in place almost all identified elements of such a system. Recent measures that the Ethiopian government is taking to address this gap are highlighted by way of conclusion.     

The grace of motherhood: disabled women contending with societal denial of intimacy,pregnancy, and motherhood in Ethiopia

This study aimed to provide better understanding of intimacy and marriage, pregnancy, birth, and motherhood experiences of women with disability in Ethiopia. Qualitative, in-depth, and semi-structured interviews along with personal observations were used to explore the full experiences of participants, as told in their own words. The result of the interviews indicated that relationships and motherhood proved a very rewarding option for women with disabilities. They also expressed their need for intimacy regardless of society’s denial. Challenges identified include negative societal attitudes toward women with disabilities regarding relationship, pregnancy, and child-rearing. Accessibility of health centers in addition to the ignorance and negative attitudes of the physicians are also reported to be major challenges for the interviewees. This study highlights how rewarding the experience of motherhood was for the interviewees and also shows that women with disabilities face challenges at every step of their experiences, because of society’s prejudices toward disability.     

Traditional birth attendants’ roles and homebirth choices in Ethiopia: A qualitative study

BackgroundIn Ethiopia, it is encouraged that labour and delivery care are performed under the observation of skilled/trained midwifery or medical professionals. However, 70% of all births occur outside the healthcare system under the care of unskilled birth attendants, family members, or without any assistance at all.ObjectiveThis study aimed to assess the reasons for choosing homebirth and the role of traditional birth attendants in Arba Minch Health and Demographic Surveillance Site.MethodA qualitative, exploratory study was carried out between May and June 2017. Twenty-nine semi-structured interviews were conducted with various respondent groups such as traditional birth attendants, pregnant women, skilled birth attendants, and health extension workers. Data were transcribed and for analysis, structured as per the participants’ responses, sorted and categorized as per the topic guide, and presented in narrative form.FindingsThe study revealed that traditional birth attendants are actively engaged in assisting homebirths in the selected area. It was also found that many women still prefer traditional birth attendants for childbirth assistance. Reasons for choosing homebirth included lack of transport to health care facilities, distance to health care facilities, lack of respectful care at health care facilities, and the friendliness of traditional birth attendants. Lack of formal partnerships between traditional birth attendants and the health system was also observed.ConclusionsThere is a need to incorporate traditional birth attendants as a link between healthcare facilities and pregnant women; thereby, improving respectful care at the healthcare facilities.     

From myth to history: Ethiopia and Eritrea’s transformations in four photographic works

As the Horn of Africa is going through major political, societal and cultural transformations, how does photography construct visions that take them into account? This short paper looks then at four recent bodies of work that evoke and revolve around the different perceived temporalities that go along them, raising questions on history, memory, transmission and finally on photography itself.     

论埃塞俄比亚侵权行为法对中国侵权行为法的借鉴意义

埃塞俄比亚侵权行为法别具一格,具有鲜明的特色。研究其立法体例和具体规定,对我国侵权行为法应采用何种立法模式来制定,具有重要意义。     

Early Marriage,Rape, Child Prostitution,and Related Factors Determining the Psychosocial Effects Severity of Child Sexual Abuse in Ethiopia

This study was aimed at identifying factors that determine the psychosocial effects severity of child sexual abuse. Data were collected from 318 female children in Ethiopia using the Children's Impact of Traumatic Events Scale–Revised and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. The results revealed that respondents who survived rape and child prostitution were more symptomatic than those who were married early. Respondents for whom less time had elapsed since their first experience of abuse demonstrated a significantly higher level of post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms, negative reactions by others, self-blame, and guilt than those for whom more time had elapsed since such an experience. The respondents in an intact marital relationship were found to be less symptomatic than their never married and divorced counterparts. Implications for intervention and further investigations are discussed.     

Midwife-led continuity of care improved maternal and neonatal health outcomes in north Shoa zone,Amhara regional state,Ethiopia: A quasi-experimental study

BackgroundIn a low-resource setting, information on the effect of midwife-led continuity of care (MLCC) is limited. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the effect of MLCC on maternal and neonatal health outcomes in the Ethiopian context.MethodA study with a quasi-experimental design was conducted from August 2019 to September 2020 in four primary hospitals of the north Shoa zone, Amhara regional state, Ethiopia. A total of 1178 low risk women were allocated to one of two groups; the midwife-led continuity of care (MLCC or intervention group) (received all antenatal, labour, birth, and immediate postnatal care from a single midwife or backup midwife) (n = 589) and the Shared model of care (SMC or comparison group) (received care from different staff members at different times) (n = 589). The two outcomes studied were Spontaneous vaginal birth and preterm birth. Outcome variables were compared using multivariate generalized linear models (GLMs) and reported using adjusted risk ratios (aRR) with 95% confidence intervals.FindingsWomen in MLCC were, in comparison with women in the SMC group more likely to have spontaneous vaginal birth (aRR of 1.198 (95% CI 1.101–1.303)). Neonates of women in MLCC were in comparison with those in SMC less likely to be preterm (aRR of 0.394; 95% CI (0.227–0.683)).ConclusionIn this study, use of the MLCC model improved maternal and neonatal health outcomes. To scale up and further investigate the effect and feasibility of this model in a low resource setting could be of considerable importance in Ethiopia and other Sub-Saharan Africa countries.