Department of Governance and Development studies
URI for this collectionhttps://rps.wku.edu.et/handle/123456789/45787
Department of Governance and Development studies
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Item ATHESIS SUBMITTED TO THE SCHOOL OF GRADUATE STUDIES, COLLEGE OF SOCIAL SCIENCE AND HUMANITIES, WOLKITE UNIVERESITY IN PARTIALFUL FILLMENT OF THE REUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF MASTERS OF ART IN EVELOPMENT PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT(wku, 2022-07-06) MULUGETA BARKEDA ZERGAThe main objective of this study was to assess practices and challenges of fixed asset management: in the case of Gurage zone Endegagn Woreda Finance and economic office. The study used descriptive research design with purposive sampling technique and it involves both quantitative and qualitative research approaches. Data were collected from 64 office heads and employees which included 61 different department of finance and economic office employees from eight directorates, two vice head of offices and one chief head of offices by using purposive sampling technique were used for distribution of questionnaires, interview eight public heads and observation. In addition to primary data, secondary data were used like documentaries. Then, collected data were arranged, coded, entered into computer software and analyzed by using the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 26. Based on the analysis of data, the researcher found that the practices and challenges of fixed asset management in Gurage zone Endegagn woreda finance and economic office is deemed to be and recognize as poor due to many reasons. Among these reason, the organization has no adequate plan for fixed asset operation, maintenance and disposal, there is weak monitoring and controlling system to protect fixed asset from misuse, through private consumption, loss and wastage in the organizations. As a consequence (impact), it results in increasing maintenance cost, financial loss, need for new asset, risk and decrease service delivery level. Therefore, the researcher suggests that the organizations management should strengthen fixed asset management system through promoting management emphasis, led by plan each stages, create awareness top to low level managers and employees, human capacity building training internal auditors, established accountability, transparency and controlling systemItem Challenges of Safety Net Program in Improving Households Food Security in East Meskan Woreda of Gurage Zone, Ethiopia(wku, 2023-06-05) DIRO URGA BEREKAThe PSNP program in Ethiopia aims to improve food security and strengthen household resilience in food-insecure woredas. The program’s objectives include improving food security, protecting assets, and strengthening household and community resilience to shocks. The purpose of this study was to assess the challenges of Safety Net Program in improving house hold food security in East Meskan Woreda of Gurage Zone. The study employed a descriptive survey design and a cross-sectional survey to gather data on the challenges of the safety net program in improving household food security in East Meskan Woreda, Gurage Zone. Mixed approach was employed, allowing for a comprehensive understanding of the research problem. The qualitative approach was focused on individuals' perceptions opinions gathered through interviews, Focal Group discussion and document analysis while the quantitative approach quantified variables using descriptive statistics. The data were collected through questionnaires, interviews, and focal group discussions. Secondary sources of data included were annual plans, reports, books, articles, and published documents. The target population consisted of beneficiary households of Safety Net Programs, with 344 sample households being the unit of analysis. A simple random sampling technique was employed. The finding of the study indicated that perception of beneficiaries household towards safety net program, farm land and its size, the use of beneficiaries’ credit service, technical advice, follow-up, and support by the experts, Lack of active community participation, inadequacy of money transferred from the program, less access to modern agricultural technologies and inputs, inadequacy of extension services, lack of coordination among concerned sectors, and Frequent drought and floods were significant challenge of safety net program in improving house hold food security in East Meskan Woreda of Gurage Zone. Finally, following the findings of the study, it was recommended that human development activities should be considered, diversified livelihood strategies, and ensuring food security through hard work and commitment should be executed by the beneficiaries. The program's payments should be revised and integrated into development plans, and the use of modern agricultural technologies and inputs should be improved.Item PROTECTION OF MINORITY RIGHTS UNDER ETHIOPIAN FEDERAL ARRANGEMENT᎓ASSESSMENT ON THE PROTECTION SCHEME OF ADAMI TULU AND JIDO KOMBOLCHA WOREDA IN EAST SHOA ZONE, OROMIYA REGINAL STATE, ETHIOPIA.(wku, 2025-09-04) JEMAL WANOROOnly eight of Ethiopia's more than 76 ethnic groups, including their subgroups, have been granted their own regions by the federal government. The territorial autonomy afforded to ethno-national communities emphasizes the Ethiopian federal system‟s distinct division of territories, despite the diversity among its individual constituents. Within the autonomous area designated for each group, the related ethno-national community possesses full territorial authority and governance. Based on the 2007 census, nearly all ethnic groups are dispersed throughout the region, yet their unique identities have not been acknowledged in the Oromiya constitution. The research primarily aimed to explore the Ethiopian federations and the issue of minority rights within the Adami Tulu and Jido Kombolcha Woreda. This study specifically aimed to identify the prevailing political practices surrounding minority representation, the obstacles minorities encounter in asserting their rights, and to propose strategies for safeguarding those rights. The data was analyzed using a qualitative interpretive approach. To gain perspectives from the target community, the researcher conducted interviews with 32 heads of households, selected through purposive sampling; among these, 11 belonged to the Amhara group, 8 were from Mareko, 7 represented Gurage, and 6 were from the Silte minority groups. Moreover, 3 local experts were interviewed by the researcher. In total, 35 individuals participated in the interviews. For the focus group discussion (FGD), the researcher purposefully selected 10 participants, which included 6 heads of offices from the woreda government and 4 notable members of minority groups. Consequently, a total of 45 individuals participated in the study. The findings indicate that language barriers and discrimination constituted the main challenges faced by the Amhara, Mareko, Gurage, and Silte minorities within the studied region.Item DETERMINANTS OF PUBLIC SECTOR EMPLOYEES' WORK PERFORMANCE: THE CASE OF GURAGE ZONE CHEHA WOREDA ADMINISTRATION(wku, 2024-07-06) MUHAJIR BEDIRThe primary objective of this study was to examine the determinants of public sector employee performance in Cheha Woreda, Gurage Zone, Ethiopia. Specifically, the research investigated the influence of factors such as motivation, training, organizational culture, working environment, supervision, individual characteristics, and competency on employee performance. A descriptive research design was adopted, and data were collected from 135 respondents using questionnaires and interviews. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression methods in SPSS. The findings revealed that employee performance is significantly influenced by the studied factors, with motivation and working environment showing the strongest impact. Training programs were found to partially address skill gaps, while supervision was deemed insufficiently effective in enhancing performance. Organizational culture and individual characteristics were moderately associated with performance outcomes. The study concluded that addressing gaps in competency, supervision, and workplace conditions could significantly improve employee productivity and satisfaction. Recommendations include designing targeted training programs, fostering a positive organizational culture, and implementing competitive salary structures to motivate employees effectively.Item Department of Governance and Development Studies Assessment of Local Government Budget Allocation and Utilization In Public Sector: A Case of AbeshageWoreda(wku, 2025-08-04) ADDISU KINFEThis study sought to evaluate how local government budgets were allocated and used in AbeshegaWoreda’s public sectors. The study was conducted through a thorough examination of the budget allocation procedure, spending trends, and the overall effect on the performance of the public sector. This study incorporated data from both primary and secondary sources. I employed qualitative and quantitative data analysis methods to collect and examine this data. In terms of assessing local government budget allocation and its utilization in public sectors within AbeshgeWoreda, the study provided a comprehensive analysis of the results and observations. The findings highlighted the allocation patterns, utilization rates, budget preparation and approval processes, stakeholder participation, challenges, and evaluation of budget utilization. The findings suggest that the local government budget allocation and utilization in AbeshgeWoreda encounter several challenges, such as limited stakeholder involvement, budget limitations, and problems with corruption and transparency. These challenges hinder the effective utilization of allocated budgets and impact the delivery of public services in the study area.Encourage active involvement of public sectors and other stakeholders in the budget allocation process through regular consultations and feedback mechanisms and enhance transparency and accountability in decision-making by providing accessible information on budget allocation and utilization The results of My study indicate a negative trend in budget allocation and utilization in AbeshgeWoreda.Item Assessment of Local Government Budget Allocation and Utilization In Public Sector: A Case of AbeshageWoreda(wku, 2025-07-05) ADDISU KINFEThis study sought to evaluate how local government budgets were allocated and used in AbeshegaWoreda’s public sectors. The study was conducted through a thorough examination of the budget allocation procedure, spending trends, and the overall effect on the performance of the public sector. This study incorporated data from both primary and secondary sources. I employed qualitative and quantitative data analysis methods to collect and examine this data. In terms of assessing local government budget allocation and its utilization in public sectors within AbeshgeWoreda, the study provided a comprehensive analysis of the results and observations. The findings highlighted the allocation patterns, utilization rates, budget preparation and approval processes, stakeholder participation, challenges, and evaluation of budget utilization. The findings suggest that the local government budget allocation and utilization in AbeshgeWoreda encounter several challenges, such as limited stakeholder involvement, budget limitations, and problems with corruption and transparency. These challenges hinder the effective utilization of allocated budgets and impact the delivery of public services in the study area.Encourage active involvement of public sectors and other stakeholders in the budget allocation process through regular consultations and feedback mechanisms and enhance transparency and accountability in decision-making by providing accessible information on budget allocation and utilization The results of My study indicate a negative trend in budget allocation and utilization in AbeshgeWoreda.Item ASSESSMENT OF CHILD LABOR EXPLOITATION AMONG STREET VENDORS IN THE INFORMAL URBAN ECONOMY: A CASE STUDY OF WOLKITE TOWN.(wku, 2025-04-02) ABREHAM BIRHANUThis study evaluates the exploitation of child labour among street vendors in Wolkite Town's informal urban economy. The study uses a descriptive case study design and a combination of research techniques to quantify and understand the conditions of child labour in this setting. A combination of random and non-random selection methods were used to choose representative samples of child street vendors. Focus group discussion, interviews, and questionnaires were used to gather data. Qualitative data were examined descriptively and by triangulation, whereas survey data were examined using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20. The results indicate that child labour exploitation is prevalent among street vendors in Wolkite Town, with children often working long hours in adverse conditions, lacking access to education and fair compensation, which hinders their overall development. The study identifies poverty, lack of economic opportunities, and insufficient regulatory measures as primary factors contributing to this exploitation. To mitigate these issues, the study recommends enhancing economic opportunities for families, strengthening regulatory frameworks to protect child workers, and improving access to education and career development for these kids.Item Assessment of Budget Preparation (Planning), Utilization (Implementation) and Control System in Higher Education: The Case of Wolkite University in Central Ethiopia(wku, 2025-09-07) HAMDU AHMEDThis study investigated the budgeting and financial management practices at Wolkite University, focusing on the alignment between planned budgets and actual expenditures, budgetary control systems, auditing processes, and overall effectiveness. The research aimed to evaluate the extent of budget utilization, identify the status of budgetary control systems, and examine the auditing procedures in place. Data were collected using a mixed-methods approach: a survey administered to university employees to gather quantitative data on budget preparation, utilization, and control, and interviews with key administrative staff to gain qualitative insights into challenges and inefficiencies in budget implementation. The study also analyzed existing budget reports and audit records. The findings indicated a generally positive yet mixed assessment of budget practices. While employees expressed confidence in their understanding of budget planning and alignment with strategic goals, concerns remained regarding practical budget utilization, departmental coordination, and delayed reporting. The university’s budget control framework was robust, but issues such as underutilization, overutilization, and idle cash accumulation persisted. The internal audit system, including compliance, performance, and financial audits, was effective but hindered by outdated systems and resistance to change. Recommendations for improvement included enhancing feedback mechanisms, refining reporting practices, addressing inefficiencies in budget utilization and cash management, and investing in advanced auditing tools and auditor training. The study concluded that while Wolkite University had a solid foundation in budgetary control, significant improvements were necessary in interdepartmental coordination, timely preparation of budget reports, and the effective utilization of resourcesItem The Role of the Emdeber Catholic Secretariat and Environmental NGOs in Environmental Protection: A Case Study of Cheha Woreda in Gurage Zone"(wku, 2024-07-06) ANTHONYOS ESTIFANOSThe need to protect the environment is unavoidable. Every entity and being, whether at the institutional, local, regional, or national level, has a responsibility to defend it. In order to preserve natural resources, stop degradation, and promote sustainable development for the benefit of the environment and the people who live there, environmental protection is the practice of safeguarding the environment through laws and practices. Environmental awareness and enforcement are more important and essential than ever in the modern day. The environmental issue persists despite the Ethiopian Constitution's environmental protection clauses and other legal safeguards. The primary cause of the ongoing environmental issue is the absence of an adequate system for resource management, which is exacerbated by a lack of environmental consciousness and a lack of public and organizational participation. NGOs' participation in environmental protection is an organized civil society reaction to places where the state has either not reached or has not sufficiently addressed the issue. This study looks at how NGOs contribute to environmental protection, with a particular emphasis on how they help with climate adaptation and mitigation. Emdeber Catholic secretariat (EMCS) spearheaded myriad campaigns centered on eco-preservation in Cheha Woreda, situated in Ethiopia's Gurage Zone. This manuscript explores tactics utilized by non-governmental bodies, notably EMCS, to shelter the natural world and cultivate sustainable habits within the area. Through rigorous scrutiny of accessible written works and empirical investigation, the dissertation aims to gauge the success of EMCS ventures and the consequences of grassroots ecological endeavors. The conclusions drawn from this exploration underscored the importance of non-state actors like EMCS in raising environmental awareness and promoting behavioral changes within rural communities. Short-term initiatives focused on reforestation and education alongside longer-term efforts centered on alternative livelihoods and stewardship of local resources. However, periodic evaluation of initiatives and participation of diverse stakeholders remained crucial to the durability and scalability of such community-driven sustainable development drive.Item AN ASSESSMENT ON THE ROLE OF NATIONAL DIALOGUE IN ENSURING DEMOCRATIC POLITICAL TRANSITION IN ETHIOPIAN SINCE 2018(wku, 2022-07-05) FIRITO KASSARecently Ethiopia attempted a democratic political transition in 2018 by allowing opposition parties to participate in the political process. However, the initial attempt at democratic political transition has not been consolidated by numerous obstacles that need to be given serious attention to consolidating the democratic political system. Ethiopia's government organized a nationwide dialogue to solve the country's multifaceted concerns. The main objective of this study was to provide an assessment of the role of national dialogue in ensuring democratic political transition in Ethiopia since 2018. To achieve this objective, the study employed a qualitative research approach and an exploratory study design. The study used primary and secondary sources. Primary data was collected through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions.Non-probable sampling, particularly purposive sampling, was employed to select key informants and FGD discussants. The thematic analysis method was applied to analyze the collected data. The findings of the study identified thatthe FDRE constitution, federal structure, historical narratives, national flag, emblems, heroes, social cohesion, and political culture are major national agendas that should be addressed during the planned national dialogue. Governments, political parties’ media, civil society, and external actors are the main stakeholders to be included in the national dialogue. According to the findings, factors influencing the success of national dialogue in Ethiopia include inclusiveness, representation, and selection criteria; setting clear objectives and agendas; credible conveners; public support; linkages with other political processes, and external actors; national ownership; and learning from experience.