Journal of African Development Studies

Navigating Qualitative Data Collection Challenges: Fieldwork Insights and Recommendations for Research with Development Project Beneficiaries

Niklas Mayer, Tadele Dana , Dibora Teferi, Fekadu Elias, Befekadu Bekele — Fri, 23 Aug 2024 00:00:00 +0000

In development and migration studies, understanding the impact of policies and development interventions is one of the major research priorities. However, when carrying out research with beneficiaries of development projects in Africa, there are numerous challenges that - if not carefully considered - will jeopardize data quality. Even though there are some methodological articles and reflections on monitoring & evaluation and on quantitative research with beneficiaries of development projects, not much has been written on the specific challenges that qualitative data collection faces in these situations. Drawing on 28 FGDs and 144 IDIs conducted in the timespan of 18 months of qualitative fieldwork research with project beneficiaries in Southern Ethiopia, we give fieldwork advice, and provide actionable recommendations for future research, revolving around 1) the importance of pre-testing, 2) verifying age and other personal characteristics of informants, 3) the outsider-insider debate, 4) sampling and communication with NGO staff, 5) expectations, vulnerabilities and behavior of individuals.

A Quest for Transforming Ethiopian Higher Education System (HES): Implications for Public Sector Transformation

Firdissa Jebessa Aga — Fri, 23 Aug 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The Higher Education System (HEIs) are demanded, nowadays more than ever before, to be frontiers of public sector transformation by directing their research, teaching, and services to societal needs; and by delivering transformative outcomes. Practically, nonetheless, the Ethiopian HES is currently facing unprecedented challenges, which cannot be abated unless systematic transformation is put in place. The Purpose of the study was, therefore, to investigate the hitherto reform rationales and the causes for some reform failures, and the feasible expeditions for transforming the Ethiopian HES. Exclusively a qualitative approach was used by generating data from document scrutiny and interviews. The results have shown that the hitherto reform rationales were the HEIs’ mandates, aspirations, expectations; dynamisms, challenges; and failed previous reforms due to top-down initiatives, loose accountability and momentum, unengaged leadership, undesirable institutional culture, piecemeal/surface symptoms, nominal board assignment and culture, unaligned budget with mission, overly and ineffective communication, and focusing just on the visible ignoring the invisibles. Ways of transforming the HES and sustaining it demands aligning transformation initiatives with the institutional mandates, aspirations, expectations, and the dynamisms; progressively overcoming the challenges; approaching transformation systemically; transforming the very assumptions of HES; building a culture of indigenous knowledge paradigm; institutionalizing transformation endeavors; enhancing ownership and instructional leadership; and enforcing autonomy with accountability.

Poverty, Inequality, and Social Protection in Ethiopia: A Policy Brief

Dejene Mamo Bekana — Fri, 23 Aug 2024 00:00:00 +0000

In this brief commentary the author argues that social protection is not a useful approach to addressing poverty and inequality in low-income countries like Ethiopia. Instead, the author suggests focusing on wealth creation and the capability development approach to poverty reduction. To achieve this, the author proposes targeted state investment expenditure to enhance the productive capabilities of the economically vulnerable population. Besides, the social protection system should prioritize the design and implementation of livelihood improving investment programs, as in-kind or cash transfer support is not sustainable given the elevated level of economic vulnerability. The effectiveness of Ethiopia’s social protection system lies on improving coverage, targeting deserving individuals, and sustainable financing solutions.

Growth Determinants, Challenges, and the Role of Micro and Small Enterprises in Debre Birhan City, Ethiopia

Zewdu Adefris — Fri, 23 Aug 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Micro and small enterprises (MSEs) are vital components of the economic landscape in Debre Birhan City, Ethiopia. This study examines the factors influencing the growth, challenges, and the role of MSEs in the city. Through primary data collection from MSE owners/operators, key determinants such as the gender, level of education, and family business background of MSEs owners/operators, ownership structure of MSEs, start-up size, market opportunities, and competition from the informal sector were identified as crucial drivers of MSEs growth in the city. However, challenges such as insufficient working capital, limited market linkage, inadequate working premises, lack of technical skills, and inadequate infrastructure and services were found to impede the expansion of MSEs in the city. Despite these challenges, MSEs in Debre Birhan City play a significant role in generating employment, creating wealth, reducing poverty, satisfying customers, and promoting local entrepreneurship. To capitalize on these opportunities and address the challenges faced by MSEs, local authorities and relevant stakeholders must collaborate to create an enabling environment that fosters entrepreneurship, provides access to finance, provides working premises, and improves infrastructure. By addressing these factors, MSEs in Debre Birhan City can realize their full potential as engines of economic growth and job creation. This study provides valuable insights for policymakers, stakeholders, and supporting organizations looking to support the sustainable development of MSEs in Debre Birhan city.

Assessing Urban Neighbourhood Resilience to Covid 19 Pandemic in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria

Hassan Y. Tifwa, Jamila O. Edibo, Davidson S. A. Alaci, Jacob Atser — Fri, 23 Aug 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The sudden incidence of COVID-19 at Wuhan in China in December 2019 with its significant death globally and other negative socio-economic impacts has awakened the need to make human settlements resilient to unforeseen tragedy. Nigeria and Jos the capital of Plateau State have had negative experiences with the incidence of covid 19. Considering this, the study aims at assessing the resilience of urban neighbourhoods in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State to COVID-19 pandemic. The study objective is to examine the pattern and characteristics of some selected neighborhoods within Jos the study area. In addition to examining the characterisation of infrastructural facilities and to evaluate the environmental challenges that impede adherence to non-pharmaceutical protocols to COVID-19. Two neighbourhoods, Angwan Rukuba and Fudawa were selected to represent the entire Jos North Local Government Area. Relevant literature related to the study was reviewed. The study adopted a direct observation method of the physical characteristics of the neighborhoods and a simple sampling technique of survey where a structured questionnaire was administered to 138 respondents in the two neighborhoods. Descriptive analysis using percentages and tables in relation to the data obtained was used to draw inferences and conclusions. The results obtained shows that the sampled neighborhoods are densely congested informal settlements with unorganized settlement pattern, lacking in basic neighbourhoods’ infrastructure, and poor circulation, among others. These findings imply that the environmental setting of the study area makes compliance with non-pharmaceutical protocols during COVID-19. pandemic difficult. By implication, the neighborhoods lack the resilience capability to cope with the COVID-19. pandemic. The study recommends the need for planning and upgrading of the neighbourhoods’ facilities along with stakeholder public enlightenment on the need to comply to COVID-19. non-pharmaceutical protocols as a step toward building resilient neighbourhoods in Jos North Local Government Area and the metropolis at large.