Review of National Employment Policy of Ethiopia: Reference to Labor Proclamation 1156/2019

DOI: 10.7176/PPAR/10-3-03 Publication date:March 31st 2020   1. Introduction A policy is a definite course or method of action selected (by government, institution, group or individual) from among alternatives and in the light of given conditions to guide and, usually, to determine present and future decisions (Webster's dictionary). Public Policy is a statement by government on what it intends to do or not to do such as law, regulation, decision or order, or a combination of these that govern a particular issue areas or problem (Birkland, 2001:9). Public policy may refer to what government intends to do to achieve certain goals. This definition makes public policy look like a mere decision. That is to say that mere declaration of intentions, wishes, principles, or expression of desires cannot be called public policy. Public policy should mean actual resource allocation presented by projects and programs designed to respond to perceived public problems and challenges requiring government action for their solution. That is, it should mean hard patterns of resource allocation presented by projects and programs designed to respond to perceived public demands. This conception of public policy can be identified with a political scientist, James E. Anderson who defines policy as a relatively stable, purposive course of action followed by an actor or set of actors in dealing with a problem or a matter of concern (Anderson, 1997). This statement focuses on what is actually done instead of what is only proposed or intended, and it differentiates a policy from mere decision, which is essentially a choice among competing alternatives. Public policy, therefore, is that policy developed and implemented by government agency and officials, though non-state actors and factors may influence its process. A country like Ethiopia with abundant labor force is, thus, required of to have a right employment policy in place in order to effectively use its growing labor force in a productive manner. In this regard the country is exerting efforts to make sure that new entrants to the labor force are equipped with the necessary knowledge, skill, and attitude that the economy needs. Micro and Small Enterprises have strategic relevance for employment creation, poverty reduction, rural-urban linkages, and for the growth of the private sector. A considerable number of permanent and temporary employment opportunities are being created as a result of the appropriate investment policy of the country attracting the private sector and also due to public investments especially in infrastructure, urban development, and housing construction

Challenges and Prospects of Local Development Plan Implementation in Dire Dawa: The Case of Kezira City Center

In the history of Ethiopian urban development, planned urban development is a recent phenomenon especially in Dire Dawa. In the past, many endeavors were made to guide the development of Dire Dawa in a planned manner. For instance, Kezira is the first urban center in Ethiopia developed with a proper plan since the beginning of the ‘Gezira’ plan of 1909. Recently, various local development plans have been developed as a means to realize the structure plan of the city. However,  so  far  no  study  has  been  conducted  that  critically  analyzes the implementation challenges of the Local Development Plans in Dire Dawa. The purpose of this study is therefore to assess the administrative challenges and prospects in the implementation of Kezira Local Development Plan (LDP) in Dire Dawa City. To this effect, three research questions were employed to guide the study. These were: 1) what are the major factors that necessitate LDP in the city; 2) what are the administrative challenges hindering the implementation of Kezira LDP; and 3) what are the major prospects in the realization of LDPs in the city? Moreover, two data gathering techniques: simple random sampling and purposive sampling were used to obtain relevant data required for the study. In the primary data gathering technique, questionnaire that were designed and distributed to Kezira residents were used. For further elaboration, interviews were conducted with selected officials and experts from Dire Dawa Land Development and Management Bureau. Secondary data from different sources were employed. The data gathered from both primary and secondary sources were analyzed using descriptive and statistical methods such as percentages, tables, charts, and photos. The results of the study indicated that factors like centrality, strategic, and comparative and competitive advantages of the study area necessitated LDP intervention. Lack of adequate and experienced professional staff, poor documentation of plan implementation records, shortage of budget, lack of commitment of management and lack of political attention for public concerns, proliferation of rent seeking attitudes, lack of operational manuals and procedures, and the existence of significant number of bi-national properties (belonging to Ethiopia and Djibouti) such as housings in the study area were major challenges encountered in Kezira LDP implementation. The major prospects for the implementation of LDP in the city were the redevelopment, and other policy and regulatory interventions being made by the Federal and the City Administration of Dire Dawa. Finally, based on the analysis and conclusions, possible recommendations were suggested for alleviating the major challenges of LDP implementation in the study area. Thus, it is recommended that the Land Development Management Bureau should work in collaboration with the community and other relevant stakeholders and exert all possible efforts to mitigate the challenges and thereby enhance the performance of LDP projects in the city in general. Keywords: Urban Development, Kezira, Local Development Plan. DOI: 10.7176/CER/12-2-03 Publication date: February 29th 202

Customer Satisfaction and Public Service Delivery: The Case of Dire Dawa Administration

The issue of service delivery is becoming a global concern that demands continuous reform to fit the turbulent environment and changing customer needs. Efficient and effective services delivery is now a prominent agenda of most countries including Ethiopia. The demand for effective and efficient delivery of services requires fundamental change involving both institutional and cultural changes. Hence, measuring the level of satisfaction provides an indication of how successful organizations are at providing services, and is taken as effective outcome measure. Several researches have been conducted on the subject matter; however, most of them were focusing on private sectors such as insurance, hotel, bank and the like. Few are studied on public service organizations. Moreover, so far no study has been conducted that critically analyzes the state of customer satisfaction on service delivery of public service organizations in Dire Dawa Administration. The purpose of this study is therefore to assess customer satisfaction on service delivery of public service organizations in Dire Dawa Administration. To this effect, four research questions were employed to guide the study. These were: 1) what are the levels of customer satisfaction of public service organizations in Dire Dawa Administration? 2) What are the extents of the service delivery process in public service organizations (in terms of Assurance, Reliability, Tangibility, Empathy, and Responsiveness)? 3) What are the relationships between service delivery dimensions and customer satisfaction? 4) What are the major problems that exist in the service delivery process of public service organizations in Dire Dawa Administration? In addition, two data gathering techniques: systematic random sampling and purposive sampling were used to obtain relevant data required for the study. In the primary data gathering technique, questionnaire that were designed and distributed to customers and employees were used. For further elaboration, key informant interviews were conducted with selected officials from the sample organizations. Secondary data from different sources were employed. The data gathered from both primary and secondary sources were analyzed and presented using descriptive and statistical methods such as means, frequencies, percentages, tables and charts. The results of the study indicated that the five service delivery dimensions and customer satisfaction were positively correlated; the general level of customer satisfaction and the service delivery dimensions were moderate. The major challenges in service delivery such as lack of skilled and experienced leadership, inability to lead and make decisions strategically, inconsistent follow up and monitoring, absence of regular consultation with customers and stakeholders, prevalence of corruption and rent seeking activities and behavior, lack of motivation and service mentality, ineffective automation, absence of timely revision of rules and regulations; lack of cooperation and integration among stakeholders, inefficient and inappropriate grievance handling systems, mismatch between demand and supply in water, health and electric services, and absence of conducting customer satisfaction surveys scientifically were thoroughly identified. Finally, based on the analysis and conclusions, possible recommendations were suggested for alleviating the major challenges of service delivery processes in the study area.Key Terms: Customer Satisfaction, Service Delivery, Public Service Organizations.DOI: 10.7176/PPAR/10-7-02Publication date:July 31st 202

Customer Satisfaction and Public Service Delivery: The Case of Dire Dawa Administration

The issue of service delivery is becoming a global concern that demands continuous reform to fit the turbulent environment and changing customer needs. Efficient and effective services delivery is now a prominent agenda of most countries including Ethiopia. The demand for effective and efficient delivery of services requires fundamental change involving both institutional and cultural changes. Hence, measuring the level of satisfaction provides an indication of how successful organizations are at providing services, and is taken as effective outcome measure. Several researches have been conducted on the subject matter; however, most of them were focusing on private sectors such as insurance, hotel, bank and the like. Few are studied on public service organizations. Moreover, so far no study has been conducted that critically analyzes the state of customer satisfaction on service delivery of public service organizations in Dire Dawa Administration. The purpose of this study is therefore to assess customer satisfaction on service delivery of public service organizations in Dire Dawa Administration. To this effect, four research questions were employed to guide the study. These were: 1) what are the levels of customer satisfaction of public service organizations in Dire Dawa Administration? 2) What are the extents of the service delivery process in public service organizations (in terms of Assurance, Reliability, Tangibility, Empathy, and Responsiveness)? 3) What are the relationships between service delivery dimensions and customer satisfaction? 4) What are the major problems that exist in the service delivery process of public service organizations in Dire Dawa Administration? In addition, two data gathering techniques: systematic random sampling and purposive sampling were used to obtain relevant data required for the study. In the primary data gathering technique, questionnaire that were designed and distributed to customers and employees were used. For further elaboration, key informant interviews were conducted with selected officials from the sample organizations. Secondary data from different sources were employed. The data gathered from both primary and secondary sources were analyzed and presented using descriptive and statistical methods such as means, frequencies, percentages, tables and charts. The results of the study indicated that the five service delivery dimensions and customer satisfaction were positively correlated; the general level of customer satisfaction and the service delivery dimensions were moderate. The major challenges in service delivery such as lack of skilled and experienced leadership, inability to lead and make decisions strategically, inconsistent follow up and monitoring, absence of regular consultation with customers and stakeholders, prevalence of corruption and rent seeking activities and behavior, lack of motivation and service mentality, ineffective automation, absence of timely revision of rules and regulations; lack of cooperation and integration among stakeholders, inefficient and inappropriate grievance handling systems, mismatch between demand and supply in water, health and electric services, and absence of conducting customer satisfaction surveys scientifically were thoroughly identified. Finally, based on the analysis and conclusions, possible recommendations were suggested for alleviating the major challenges of service delivery processes in the study area. Key Terms: Customer Satisfaction, Service Delivery, Public Service Organizations. DOI: 10.7176/JCSD/60-01 Publication date:June 30th 2020

The Relative Effects of Fiscal and Monetary Policies on Ethiopian Economic Growth

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relative effect of monetary policy and fiscal policy on economic growth in Ethiopia. The paper employed annual time series data from a period of 2009 to 2019. The paper performed Augmented Dickey-Fuller test for unit root, Johansson test of co-integration and Ordinary Least Squares estimation technique to analyze the data. The findings revealed that monetary policy proxy by interest rate has significantly a negative effect on the Ethiopian economic output. Likewise, the study found that fiscal policy proxy by government expenditure has significantly and positively influenced the economic growth (GDP) in Ethiopia. Finally, the study exposed that fiscal policy is somewhat influential than monetary policy in altering economic growth of Ethiopia. The study suggested that both fiscal and monetary policies should be implemented simultaneously to ensure macroeconomic stability and sustainable economic growth in Ethiopia. It is also recommended that government annual budget and projects implementation should be monitored adequately to ensure price stability, full employment, and economic growth. Monetary policies implemented by the National Bank of Ethiopia should promote conducive investment atmosphere through appropriate stabilization of interest rates, and inflation rates to promote economic growth of the country. DOI: 10.7176/PPAR/10-11-01 Publication date: November 30th 2020

Strategies to Enhance Employability of TVET Graduates in Ethiopia: Evidence from Literature and Documents

The growing number of unemployed graduates in Ethiopia has made TVET institutions to focus on employability enhancement strategies. The purpose of this paper was to examine the policies and laws addressing employability and also to identify strategies in place to enhance employability of TVET graduates in Ethiopia. A qualitative approach was employed. The study used secondary data sources involving, reviews of documents and relevant literature in an attempt to answer the research questions. The information were analyzed qualitatively using content analysis. The findings of the study revealed that the issue of graduate employability has been integrated in national policies and strategies, and international laws though limited implementation of these policies in enhancing employability of graduates in Ethiopia. Finally, the study concluded that TVET institutions should work mainly on the identified strategies as they might have positive contributions to producing competent graduates as well as insuring employability. Keywords: Employability, Graduates, TVET Institution, Ethiopia DOI: 10.7176/RHSS/13-1-04 Publication date: January 31st 202

Bovine Hydatidosis in Ambo Municipality Abattoir, West Shoa, Ethiopia

A cross-sectional study on bovine hydatidosis was conducted in Ambo municipality abattoir from November 2007 to March 2008 with the aim of investigating the prevalence, intensity, fertility and economic losses in cattle slaughtered for human consumption. Stray dogs killed with strychnine baited meat piece were also examined for the presence of adult Echinococcus granulosus. Out of the total 384 cattle examined 114 (29.69%) were found infected with hydatidosis. From the examined animals 61 (15.89%), 19 (4.95%) and 26 (6.77.3%) contained hydatid cyst in their lungs, livers, and in both lung and liver, respectively. Age related infection was significant in that older animals were more infected (

The effects of trainers’ competence on employability of government polytechnic college graduates in Dire Dawa City, east-central Ethiopia

The need for competent and qualified trainers is of paramount importance for an effective technical training system that, in turn, helps to produce competent and employable graduates for the country’s economy. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of trainers' competence on the employability of polytechnic college graduates in Dire Dawa. The study employed a descriptive-correlational-explanatory research design with a quantitative research method. The sample for quantitative data consisted of 351 randomly selected graduates, trainees, trainers, and administrators. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse the data. The findings revealed that trainers’ competence was positively correlated with graduates' employability. Specifically, predictors such as knowledge-related competence, assessment-related competence, skill-related competence, and managerial competence were found to have significant and positive effects on the employability of polytechnic college graduates in Dire Dawa. Therefore, the study recommends that the Dire Dawa city Labour Skill and Technology Development Bureau and Polytechnic colleges should give greater emphasis on improving trainers’ competence, which in turn enhances the employability of graduates

Isolation and identification of protease‐producing bacteria from sludge and sediment soil around Adama, Ethiopia

Proteases are enzymes used in industries such the production and processing of detergents, food, leather, and silk. The aim of this study was to isolate and identify protease‐producing bacteria from a sludge disposal site and from sediments. Soil samples were collected separately from the selected area. Samples weighing 1 g were serially diluted and spread onto skim milk agar. A total of 16 bacteria species were isolated from the study samples. Four bacterial isolates showed high proteolytic activity and were selected for enzymatic study based on their zone of proteolysis. The isolates were identified based on biochemical tests. The results indicated that the isolated bacteria were E. coli (99.69%), Pseudomonas putrefaciens (Shewanella putrefaciens) (91.61%), Bacillus carboniphilus (92.78%), and Lysinibacillus sphaericus (98.4%). The crude protease enzymes produced by these bacterial isolates showed promising results for application in dehairing and destaining as detergent additives. Bacillus carboniphilus showed the best level of activity and was selected as the most potent protease‐producing bacteria for both dehairing and destaining ability. Soils from sludge disposal sites and sediments from around tannery wastes could be good sources from which to isolate alkaline protease‐producing bacteria

Rotavirus-associated acute diarrhea outbreak in West Shewa Zone of Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia, 2017

Introduction: rotavirus causes severe-diarrheal diseases in infants. An estimation of 138 million rotavirus-associated diarrheal cases and 215,000 deaths occur every year globally. In December 2016, West-Shewa zone in Ethiopia reported unidentified gastrointestinal diarrhea outbreak. We investigated to identify the causative agent of the outbreak to support response operations. Methods: medical records were reviewed, and the daily line list was collected from health facilities. Descriptive data analysis was done by time, person and place. Stool specimens were first tested by antigen capture enzyme immunoassay (EIA) technique and further confirmed by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) as a gold standard. The product of RT-PCR was genotyped for each gene using G1-G4, G8-G9 and G12 primers for VP7 gene and P(4), P(6), P(8) and P(14) primers for VP4 gene. Results: a total of 1,987 diarrheal cases (5.7 per 1000) and five deaths (case-fatality rate 0.25%) were identified and epidemiologically-linked to confirmed rotavirus from December 2016 to February 2017. Among the cases, 1,946 (98%) were < 5 children. Fourteen (74%) of the 19 tested stool specimens were positive for rotavirus by EIA and RT-PCR. Majority of strains detected were G12P(6) (25%) and G-negative P(8) (25%) followed by G9P(8) (19%), G1P(8) (13%) and G3/G2 P(8), G12P(8), and G-negative P(6) (6% each). Conclusion: diarrheal outbreak which occurred in West-Shewa zone of Ethiopia was associated with rotavirus and relatively more affected districts with low vaccination coverage. Routine rotavirus vaccination quality and coverage should be evaluated and the surveillance system needs to be strengthened to detect, prevent and control a similar outbreak