Exploring the peacebuilding potential of development NGOs in areas of protracted conflict in Ethiopia: with special reference to Oromia and Gambella states
Doctoral Thesis
2014
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University of Cape Town
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Abstract
This study examines the peacebuilding potential of Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) in areas of protracted conflict in Ethiopia. The findings highlight the potential transformative capacity of these NGOs and the challenges of their peacebuilding work. The research design adopted in this study was that of a mixed design method with an emphasis on the qualitative method. Data was collected through 52 in-depth interviews, a survey involving 120 households, two focus group discussions and various secondary sources. Bivariate analysis and thematic and content analysis were conducted. The evidence from the empirical findings illustrate that by applying an "indigenous empowerment perspective", many of these NGOs have incorporated peacebuilding components into their development programmes, and have made significant contributions in five ways. Firstly, their activities have helped to activate and re-establish customary institutions and strengthened their jurisdiction over land, social and cultural issues. Secondly, their facilitation efforts in peace processes have played an important role in the establishment of inter/intra-ethnic peace groups. The facilitation efforts helped in strengthening the pastoralists' own indigenous laws and in drawing-up by-laws relating to natural resource access, use and maintenance. Laws on murder, theft and injury were reinforced. A legal framework with the capacity to resolve group differences peacefully was developed. Thirdly, the NGOs' inter/intra-ethnic relations initiatives helped to reinvigorate the "values" of communal resource sharing, to build crossborder cooperation, thereby reducing the incidence of cross-border raids and resource-based conflicts. Fourthly, the NGO cross-border peacebuilding initiatives helped to revitalise economic opportunities; these improved the capacity for trade and also increased the links between traders across the border, thereby creating a reciprocal interdependence and a vested interest in reducing conflict. Finally, the NGO development programmes have, in certain areas, created sustainable access to the natural resources and increased the reconstruction of physical infrastructure; these factors, in turn, contributed to a reduction in the likelihood of resource-based conflict and vulnerability to drought. The study suggests that if development NGOs operating in those conflict areas are to have a meaningful impact, then their peacebuilding projects need to build on indigenous institutions and local actors. The study also highlights how the present policy of the Ethiopian state has restricted the peacebuilding role of NGOs. The study further posits that the Ethiopian state's judicial system and its local administration are structurally unable to address the full impact of protracted conflicts and that traditional conflict resolution mechanisms facilitated by NGOs, strategically situated, are best able to play this role. Although it is conceded that NGOs are not the "panacea" for all problems, the findings of this study point to their value.
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Includes bibliographical references.
Reference:
Mengistu, W. 2014. Exploring the peacebuilding potential of development NGOs in areas of protracted conflict in Ethiopia: with special reference to Oromia and Gambella states. University of Cape Town.