AFRICA LEADESHIP EXELLENCE ACADEMYFUCLITY OF

LEADESHIP AND GOVERNANCE

DEPARTMENT OF FEDERAL STUDIES

(MA PROGRAM)
THE ROLE OF DECENTRALIZATION IN EMPOWERINIG

NATIONALITY ZONE IN ETHIOPIA: THE CASE OF WAG-HIMRA

NATIONALITY ZONE

BY YIRGA MARYE
August 2021

ADDIS ABABA

Africa Leadership Excellence Academy Facility of Leadership and

Governance
 Department of Federal Studies

(MA Program)
The Role of Decentralization in Empowering Nationality Administration

in Ethiopia: The case of Wag-himra Nationality Administration Zone.

By Yirga Marye ID NO.FS/017/12

Advisor: Dareskeder Taye (PHD)

MA Thesis Submitted to Department of Federal

Studies of Africa Leadership Excellence Academy in
Partial Fulfillment of The Requirements for The
Degree of Master Arts in Federal Studies

August 2021
Addis Ababa

Declaration
I Yirga Marye Bishaw registered no. FS/017/12 undersigned have been a student of Master of
Leadership and Governance (MA) in the Institute of Leadership and Governance Africa
leadership Excellence Academy, Sululta December 2020.
I declare that this research thesis entitled, “The role of decentralization in empowering
nationality zone: In Wag-himra nationality administration” Master’s Degree of this University, is
my original work and that all sources of materials used for this thesis paper have been duly
acknowledged. I seriously declare that this paper not submitted to any other institution anywhere
for the award of any other degree in any university.

Name: Yirga Marye ID. N0.FS/017/12

Signature: .........................................
Date: .................................................

This Thesis has submitted to for examination with my approval as university supervisor.
Name of Advisor: Dareskeder Taye (PhD)
Signature……...........………………
Date……………………………

Africa leadership academy

Thesis Approval sheet
This is to certify that the thesis entitled “The Role of Decentralization in Empowering
nationality zone in Ethiopia: The case of Wag-himra nationality zone” submitted in
partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of master’s with specialization in
Federal study the graduate program of the department of Federalism and has been carried
out by Yirga Marye Id.No FS/017/12 under my supervision. Therefore I recommended
that the student has fulfilled the requirements and hence hereby can submit the thesis to
the department for defense.
Name of advisor Dareskedar Taye

Signature-----------------------
Date------------------------------

Acknowledgements
First of all, I would like to thank Almighty God and his Mother Virgin Mary. Almighty God is
rich in mercy, who can do all things above all else. It is the grace, charity, forgiveness, help and
kindness of Almighty God that made me still alive, achieve this success and strength and to go
through all the difficult time.
 My Deepest gratitude goes to my advisor Dr.Dareskedar Taye. You were my advisor since
previous year. You are the pioneer of my life. Your deepest knowledge on research, your
unreserved effort, your constructive comments, and your patience have encouraged me. I have no
words to express your kindness. God bless you long life and good health. I would like to express
my deepest thankfulness to my lovely wife, Zerf Zeleke. You are my Hero, without your support
and encouragement everything would have been difficult. You made it possible that it seemed
impossible. Your unforgettable advice contributed a lot to my success.
My thanks also goes to Wondwosen Negedu, Debash Hailu and for their valuable support for
the success of my study. I am also grateful to thank Wag himra nationality administration
, Abergelle woreda and sekota woreda administration leader council members officers who have
provided me with the necessary data and information which are valuable for my study. Special
thanks go to zone and woreda leaders for providing their valuable time for interview. Finally, I
stretched my thanks to all who have assisted me in my career to take this position

Table of Contents
Declaration..................................................................................................................................................ii
Acknowledgements....................................................................................................................................iv
Table of Contents.....................................................................................................................................v
LIST OF TABLES.......................................................................................................................................vii
ABBREVIATIONS....................................................................................................................................viii
CHAPTER ONE..........................................................................................................................................1
INTRODUCTION.......................................................................................................................................1
1.1 Background of the Study...................................................................................................................1
1.2 Statement of the Problem.................................................................................................................4
1.3 Objectives of the Study......................................................................................................................7
1.3.1 General Objective.......................................................................................................................7
1.3.2 Specific Objectives......................................................................................................................7
1.4 Research Questions...........................................................................................................................7
1.5 Significance of the study....................................................................................................................8
1.6 Delimitation/Scope of the Study........................................................................................................8
1.7 Limitation of the study.......................................................................................................................9
1.8 Organization of the Study..................................................................................................................9
CHAPTER TWO.......................................................................................................................................10
REVIEW LITERATURE..............................................................................................................................10
2.1 Introduction.....................................................................................................................................10
2.2 Review of Theoretical Literature.....................................................................................................10
2.2.1 Definition of Decentralization...................................................................................................10
2.3 Forms of Decentralization................................................................................................................11
2.3.1 Deconcentrating or Administrative decentralization................................................................11
2.3.2 Delegation.................................................................................................................................11
2.3.3 Devolution or democratic decentralization..............................................................................12
2.4 Types of decentralization.................................................................................................................12
2.4.1 Fiscal Decentralization..............................................................................................................12
2.4.2 Debate on Decentralization..........................................................................................................16
2.5 Why all the stress about decentralization?..................................................................................17
2.5.1 Decentralization, democracy and public participation.............................................................18
2.5.2 Decentralization, poverty reduction and development............................................................18
2.5.3 Decentralization as a means to prevent ethnic clashes............................................................18
2.5.4 Risks of Decentralization...........................................................................................................19
2.6 Empowerment.............................................................................................................................20
2.7 The African Experience in Decentralization.....................................................................................21
2.8 Decentralization in Ethiopian experience........................................................................................21
2.9 Decentralization in Amhara regional State......................................................................................22
2.9.1 Local Government in Amhara Region.......................................................................................22
2.9.2 Nationality zones in Amhara Regional State.............................................................................23
2.10. Empirical evidences......................................................................................................................25
 2.10 Conceptual Framework..................................................................................................................25
CHAPTER THREE.....................................................................................................................................28
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY...................................................................................................................28
3.1 Introduction.....................................................................................................................................28
3.2 Description of the study area..........................................................................................................28
3.2.1 Location....................................................................................................................................28
3.2.2 Topography...............................................................................................................................29
3.2.3 Population................................................................................................................................29
3.4 Sampling procedure.........................................................................................................................31
3.5 Source of Data.................................................................................................................................31
3.5.2 Secondary Data.........................................................................................................................32
3.6 Sample Technique...........................................................................................................................32
3.7 Sample Size......................................................................................................................................32
3.8 Data Collection Instruments............................................................................................................34
3.8.1 Key informant interview...........................................................................................................34
3.8.2 Focus Group Discussion (FGD)......................................................................................................35
3.8.3 Field Observation......................................................................................................................35
3.9 Method of Data Analysis..................................................................................................................35
3.10 Ethical Considerations...................................................................................................................36
CHAPTER FOUR..........................................................................................................................................37
DATA PRESENTATION ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSIONS..............................................................................37
REFERENCE............................................................................................................................................58

LIST OF TABLES

Table2.1: Conceptual Basis of Expenditure Assignment..............................................................13

Table 2.2: Conceptual Basis of Tax Assignment...........................................................................14
Table 3.1:Target participants from selected woredas and zonal leaders.......................................31
Table 4.1: table illustrating the total working plan........................................................................34
 ABBREVIATIONS

ANRS: Amhara National Regional State

ANRSC: Amhara National Regional States Constitution.

EPRDF: Ethiopian People Revolutionary Democratic Front

FDRE: Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia

NAZ: Nationality Administrative Zone

NGOs: Nongovernmental Organizations

Abstract
The aim of this research was to assess the Role of decentralization in empowering nationality
zone in Ethiopia: In Wag himra nationality administration. The study employed case study type
research method qualitative research approach. In order to meet the objectives of the study, the
data were collected from a sample of 36 interviewers from zone and selected woreda leaders,
officers from six selected organizations through interview. Whereas focus group discussion was
conducted with two groups in selected two woredas, female youth and elders. The participants
were selected with the purposive sampling method. The findings of the study revealed that the
existence of Wag-himra nationality administrative zone has its foundation from article 39 of
federal constitution and article 73 of the regional constitution with the objective of protecting,
preserving and promoting (Empowering) Wag-himra people’s culture and language through self-
governance and self determination. However, this study found that the implementation of such
constitutional right were going on at low pace than expected due to low commitment of
administrators, financial dependence of zone administration from the regional government, weak
public participation, regional interference on zonal affairs and less decentralized power/ authority
of legal nature. Lustily it is recommended to enhance zonal autonomy, decreasing financial
dependence, increasing administrators and employee’s commitment, starting himtignga language
for administrative use, encouraging public participation in planning and managing projects.
 CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION
The introductory part of this study presents different ideas and concepts, which include
background of the study, statement of the problem, objective of the study, research questions
significance of the study, scope and limitation of the study and lastly, organization/ structure of
the study.

1.1 Background of the Study

The existence of local government has always been defended on the basis that it is a crucial
aspect of the process of democratization and intensification of mass participation in the decision-
making process. No political system is considered complete and democratic if it does not have a
system of decentralization, (Stetyler, 2005).

More than the past two decades, most nations around the world have accepted the practices of
decentralization. Particularly developing countries have made profound changes in the field of
governance, including decentralization of state structures and functions, government and service
reorganization and transition to democracy (Oxhorn et al, 2004: 8). While local government is,
practiced in all federal countries, its place and role in the governance of these countries differ
substantially. In some, local government is a constitutionally recognized sphere of government,
while in others it is merely a competence of the state government. Nevertheless, local
government has an increasing role in the governance of federal countries, placing new demands
on the theory and practice of federalism, (Stetyler, 2005).This means that local government has
long history as the practice of decentralization has come in to existence in all federal and non-
federal countries.

Since 1990s, many African countries have launched the process of decentralization. The
inefficiency of economic planning by the central government, the changing international
economic condition, structural adjustment to improve public sector performance and changing
political climate in developing countries are the basic factors that led developing countries to opt
for decentralized governance. Countries, like South Africa, Nigeria, Senegal, Burkina Faso etc.
have made a considerable leap forward in the implementation of transfer of powers to lower tiers

[Type text] Page 1

of government. Parallel to this they made significant constitutional amendments to provide a
legal basis for the project (Boko, 2002: 11).

Decentralization has become an increasingly widespread and significant dimension of political

and administrative reform in many developing countries including Ethiopia. This is associated
with the hope that “bringing government closer to the people” as Boko (2002), will improve the
provision of public services by increasing people’s voice in decision-making, and by making the
government more accountable to them. Decentralization is presumed to have a number of
benefits, including positive outcomes in both democratic and developmental terms. It is assumed
that democracy will be deepened by the extension of political representation to the local level,
with democratic processes strengthened through enhanced political participation at the local civil
society actors. In addition, it is assumed that benefits in socio-economic development will ensue
through local government being more responsive and more accountable to citizens’ needs and
desires. These benefits are interlinked in that local-level representation and participation is
believed to lead to the delivery of public services that are pertinent to the local context,(Boko,
2002: 11).

It implies that, in the contemporary situation, decentralization is inevitable either federal or

unitary and developed or developing country for the benefits of citizens, promote development,
democracy and political participation.

There is exceptional interest in decentralized systems of governance in many African and other
developing states. A number of them have established constitutionally entrenched system of
local governance. Various forces and desires drive the decentralization programmers of the
states. Yet, there are three drivers, which are common for the decentralization program of many
states. The first is the wish to enhance democratic system and public participation and the
recognition that decentralization is favorable for achieving this objective. The second is the
pressure to improve the living standard of the population of the developing states and the
certainty that decentralization can bring development. The third is the urgency to accommodate
diversity with a view to maintain a lasting peace, (World Bank 1999:107). From this perspective,
decentralization is established constitutionally from center to state and from state to local
governments.

[Type text] Page 2

In Ethiopia, there is also a vast ethnic diversity, that all of the ethnic groups in the regions of
member federations live together in the heterogeneous form of communities. Thus, Ethiopia is a
museum of nations with more than eighty ethnic groups. Every Nation Nationality and People in
Ethiopia has the right to a full measure of self-government which includes the right to create
institutions of government in the territory that it inhabits and to equitable representation in state
and federal governments, (Article 39 (3), FDRE Constitution), and these diversity categorized in
terms of ethnic, religious, language, tradition, culture, fiscal disparity and regional disparity.
However, as the state failed to accommodate these diversities, as well as political and economic
dominance gave birth to the question of nationalities, (Assefa, 2012). Therefore, to solve this
problem, Ethiopian federal system tries to accommodate and empowers the nation nationality
and people primarily through the provision of territorial and political autonomy to geographically
concentrated ethno-national groups, and legally established administrations, which empowers
different ethnic groups (especially historical minorities‘) (Yonatan &Beken, 2013, p.42).
Because of this the FDRE Constitution, hints that the various levels of government should exist
at state level. However, the Constitution does not have a list of local government powers, nor
does it stipulate clearly how local government is established and demarcated. To sum up this
decentralization has now become a dominant, inevitable, and unstoppable trend. It increasingly
attracts the attention of academicians, professionals, and policy makers. As a result of the above
provision, regional government in the study area is structured as regional (state) government,
zonal government, woreda government and kebele administration that implies to four tires from
the regional government viewpoint and five tires from the Federal Government viewpoint
(Negalign 2010).

Considering the above background, there are positive results as well as some problems in the
undertaking of the role of decentralization. The fact that sub national (regional) levels assume a
considerable role in undertaking activities that fall down under their domain can be regarded as a
positive or negative achievement. The study, therefore, assess the role of decentralization in
empowering nationality administration in Wag-himra nationality administration zone the
constitution of local authorities based Amhara regional state.

[Type text] Page 3

 1.2 Statement of the Problem

Ethiopia, like other developing states, is in a process of implementing a decentralization system.

In a federal system of decentralization process began in 1991 when the Ethiopian Peoples’
Revolutionary Democracy Front (EPRDF) came to power. In 1995, a new Constitution was
promulgated which formally established the country on a federal basis with a federal government
at the center and nine ethnically defined regional state and two autonomous administrative areas
were established with legislative, executive and judicial functions at the periphery. The 1995
Constitution, in addition, laid the foundation for further decentralization. By requiring the
regional states to establish and adequately empower local government, (EPRDF 1995:50/4/).In
FDRE, the government structure at regional, zonal, woreda and kebele level follows the same
tripartite structure-an elected head of administration, a council with an executive committee, and
a sector bureau (Tigabu (2018) cited in Yilmaz&Venugopal, 2008). In Ethiopia, local
governments (mainly Zone and Woreda), there are councils; formed as part of the strategy to
introduce local democracy, elected by direct election and universal suffrage and meant to oversee
executive policy implementation, service delivery and hold the local bureaucracy accountable for
its performance.

As per nationality self -rule perspective, Wag-himra nationality administrative zone is an

administrative sub-division below the regional government and above Woreda government. It is
one of three nationality zones in Amhara Region established based on minority ethnic identity.
According to 1994 national census regarding to the ethnic diversity, the population of Wag
Himra Zone consists of Himtigna (45%), Amharic (52%), Tigrgna (2.55%) and others like
Arabic (0.45%),(Simegn 2009). The majority of rural population inhabited in zonal
administration is the speaker of Himtgna language. Nevertheless, the working or official
language of the zone administration is Amharic in all woredas and kebeles.

ANRS Constitution Article (71) officially declares that Wag- himra nationality council has the
highest political authority on behalf of Wag people; however, the council’s decision is subjected
to change due to regional interference. For instance, the Wag Nationality Council has decided the
function of Himtgna language as language of instruction to be limited up to grade six and
English to be the language of instruction in grade seven and eight for those pupils in the zone
who attend their primary education in Himtigna medium. Nevertheless although the zone has

[Type text] Page 4

immediately implemented the decision of the council, the regional education bureau did not only
reject the decision of the council, but also further insisted not to implement English as the
language of instruction in grade seven and eight in Wag (Melaku , 2004: 68).

Woredas council is the legislative branches of woreda administration and the highest political
organ of woredas. Members of the woredas council are directly elected by the residents of the
woreda and serves for five-year term and accountable to the people who elected them.

Nevertheless, it has been felt that Woreda councils have not yet managed to exercise sufficient
local autonomy due to several reasons such as absence of clearly established legal mandate, lack
of devolution of power, poor organization of the system and tight control and intervention by
zone nationality higher authorities (Yilmaz & Venugopal, 2008).

Practically as the researcher observed experience drawn reveals that woredas council does not
have the power to issues commands that are compatible to the existing fact of their jurisdiction
and applicable to the needs and interests of the community. Rather every policy and decision
issue is already decided by the higher authorities (Nationality zone) and pushed down to the
woredas for the sake of authorization. Most of the time woredas council held discussion on the
issue that are party concern and imposed by nationality zonal higher authorities even though they
established to identify and respond the felt need and interests of the grass root people.

Fiscal Decentralization that includes the sharing of revenue between regional and central
governments, the induced transfer and subsidies which are part of the decentralized process is
not adequate. As to Negalign (cited in Tegegne&Kassahun (2007:16-18), fiscal decentralization
was intended to assist regional governments by boosting their capacity for developing their
localities through self-initiative. He also states that despite fiscal imbalance between zonal
administrations, heavy dependence of the zonal and woreda governments on the regional
government transfer and subsidies keep on.

Hailu (2001) studied on the issue of the current decentralization process in Ethiopia the case of
Oromia regional state. He tried to show that particularly, in Oromia region, the lower levels
should have more discretionary power to undertake activities in their respective areas. Zonal and
woreda levels should operate not as totally supplements of regional governments and should
devise a system where they are not controlled bureaucratically and hierarchically by regional

[Type text] Page 5

government bodies. Government functional units in regions have to be revised and established in
their best form. Redundant and unnecessary offices should be removed and formed in line with
the specific circumstances of the region. But he did not show in what extent or whether there
may have interference of regional state of Oromia in the matter of Zonal and woreda.

As Tigabu (2018) has recommended in his study that the internal working system of council’s
need to be very transparent, responsive, participatory and free from any unnecessary
intervention. Councilors must be sensitive to public interest; legal back up from the city
administration is also needed in order to make councils strong, autonomous and powerful. The
field that councilors operating also should be open to all stakeholders as the democracy
promotion works calls for the involvements of different actors. However, he does not touch the
empowerment of councils below city and zone how they are free from any interference of other
councils (region, zone) for their decision in their jurisdiction to exercise democracy.

Some researchers try to access the role of decentralization in promoting good governance in
Ethiopia for example Hika, Feleke& Naol (2018).The finding of the study shows that the practice
of political and administrative decentralization was good. However, fiscal decentralization was
lowly practiced and remains the problem in promoting good governance. This was mainly
because power of raising and controlling own revenue, extent of expenditure planning and
financing, revenue transfer ratio, autonomy to borrow fund, financial management capacities of
local governments were low in Wolaita and Dawuro zones. But this research did not show the
role of the nationality administrative zone councils who can make decision over the allocation of
resources for developmental (Education, Health, Agricultural) institutions and their effective
implementation of the plan in relation to their power to make decision on the nationality
administration zones development.

Studies related to accountability of administrators, participation the public in planning and

decision making process, the current status of zonal autonomy, the level of community
participation, civic society participation, participation of state and non-state actors, such as
NGOs, professional associations, other opposition parties and the private sectors are important
for establishing good governance will be taken as important areas of investigation.

Even more researches are conducted in decentralization and empowering ethnic minority in
Ethiopia especially in Amhara like Negalign (2010). An assessment of the current status of

[Type text] Page 6

decentralized government and self-administration in Amhara regional state: A study in Awi
nationality administrative zone. But, none has ever studied done in Wage-Himra area on this
issue.

Thus, this research is intended to bridge the gap of research and provide important knowledge
for political leaders, nonprofit organizations, policy makers that have significant contribution to
the socio political empowerment of nationality administration. Based on this, the researcher aims
to assess the role of decentralization and/or local government empowerment especially
nationality administrative zone, of wag-himra nationality administration zone.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

1.3.1 General Objective

The general objective of this study is to assess the role of decentralization in empowering
nationality administration zone in Wag-himra nationality administrative zone in Amhara regional
State.

1.3.2 Specific Objectives

The specific objectives of the study try to:

1. To examine the extent of self-administration in nationality administrative zone in wag

nationality administration.

2. To assess the participation of citizens in different decision-making activities.

3. To identify the major challenges which face to empower nationality administration zone
in Wag-himra?
4. To analyze the role of decentralization in empowering democracy at local level in the
study area.
5. To assess the levels of autonomy, and to describe the extent to which the rights and duties
prescribed at ANRS Constitution is exercised by zonal administration.

1.4 Research Questions

1. To what extent zonal self -administration autonomy is exercised at Wag-himra nationality
administrative zone?

[Type text] Page 7

 2. In what level do people representatives participate to make decision on their affairs in
locality administrations?
3. What are the major challenges and problems which face nationality administrative zones
in the study area?
4. What is the role of decentralization in empowering democracy in wag himra nationality
administration?
5. What constraints or obstacles exist in zonal administration to exercise the rights and
duties as specified by Amhara regional state constitution?

1.5 Significance of the study

This study provides a little assistance for researchers and policy makers in understanding the role
of decentralization and demarcation of local government in Ethiopia’s federation. This paper is
therefore intended as a contribution to the debate on the subject through setting out the options
and strategic choices that need to be considered in the determination of local government
boundaries, i.e. accommodation of ethnic diversity through decentralization of power.

Therefore, results of this study contribute to fill the knowledge gap which the role of
decentralization in empowering nationality administration. More specifically the results of this
study have the following significances:

 For other research, it may use as a reference to conduct study in the area.
 The study adds to very much limited works done so far in the area of Nationality Zone.
 The findings and conclusions drawn from the study may helps to create awareness
among councilors, administrators, employees and people of Wag-himra nationality
administrative zone.

1.6 Delimitation/Scope of the Study

As scholars in the field of research advice that in order to carry out any research, it is important
to delimit it in a manageable size. Accordingly, this study is delimited to ARS, Wag-himra zone,
and two woredas namely Sekota, and Abergelle woredas and the zone nationality administration
itself selected governmental organizations. And also the researcher has some knowhow about the
area the research had conducted. In the study the role of decentralization in empowering
nationality administration zone the study delimits or focus on examine the extent of self-

[Type text] Page 8

administration of nationality administration zone, to assess people participation in different
decision making and levels of autonomy in nationality administration zone. The study did not
cover all woredas and Sekota municipal city administration in wag himra nationality
administration zone.

1.7 Limitation of the study

In conduct of this study, the researcher faces some constraints, which might be factors that
contributed to the limitation of the study. This included poor collaboration from concerned
people in some offices; unwillingness and lack of interest to fill and return FGD guides’ on time,
disinclination to take interview, lack of time, and some of the financial constraints were major
limitations of the study. To solve these problems the researcher communicates closely with
respondents every day up to they give the interview and fill FGD guides. And the researcher
used time out of work time by contact even their home. The other challenge was there was no
electric power more than a month in wage, this was faced me to start my research on time the
researcher (I) solve this challenge by moving every offices whom have generators power source.

1.8 Organization of the Study

The study organized in five chapters. The first chapter is the introductory part of the paper that
contains background of the study, statement of the problem, objectives of the study, research
questions, and significance of the study, scope and limitation of the study. The second chapter
devoted to presentation of literature reviews of related researchers and conceptual framework.
The third chapter deals with research methodology of the study which assesses the study design,
data sources, data collection methods and procedures, data analysis methods and definition of
variables of the study, time and cost budget finally the fourth chapter deal with data analysis and
finding the fifth chapter deal, conclusion and recommendation,.

[Type text] Page 9

 CHAPTER TWO

REVIEW LITERATURE

2.1 Introduction
The major objective of this chapter is to provide a theoretical background and empirical studies
based on existing academic knowledge for the research proposal on topic of the role of
decentralization in empowering nationality administration zone the case of wage himra Amhara
regional state. It contains also basic concepts about decentralization and self-administration
finally the conceptual frame work of the study.

The study has reviewed different existing works of literatures related to roles of decentralization
empowering local government regarding concepts, theories, definition of decentralization and
empirical research on the related topics from different materials like books, journals, e-books,
and websites, etc. Based on this way, this chapter has discussed the literature review and the
related terms in order to give readers a multi-angle view over the topic and try to keep it simple
well understand conceptual framework based on the literature review.

The central aim of this study is to assess the trend in decentralizing governmental powers and in
adequately empowering local government in Amhara regional state. It goes without saying this
task requires the need to create a degree of clarity on the concept of decentralization. Therefore,
in this part of the Study, the decentralization will be defined in various forms and it give detail
information about the study.

2.2 Review of Theoretical Literature

2.2.1 Definition of Decentralization

Commonly there is no accepted definition of decentralization. Nevertheless, almost all authors
who attempted to define the concept often hold that decentralization involves, even if in varied
forms, transferring responsibilities, powers, functions and resources from a center to peripheral
governmental institutions. Decentralization is not meant to deprive the center of all political
powers. There are certain areas of authorities, which are appropriate to the national actors, and
other areas of authorities that are appropriate to sub national actors. “Both national and sub
national actors have a complementary role to play. However, their role needs to be determined

[Type text] Page 10

by an analyzing the most effective ways and means of achieving a desired objective” (Boko,
2002). Then there is not yet common agreed and same meaning about decentralization.

2.3 Forms of Decentralization

Decentralization takes various forms. The most known ones are deconcentrating (also known as
administrative decentralization), devolution (democratic decentralization) and delegation. On the
other hand, there are different types of decentralization. Scholars in the field distinguished four
types of decentralizations: political, administrative, fiscal, and market decentralization. Here,
drawing distinction between these various concepts is vital and sheds light to the different
dimensions of decentralization for successful implementation of the concepts and coordinating
tasks among them. Nonetheless, a clear overlap is observed in defining any of these terms. They
can also happen in different forms and combination across countries (Zemelak, 2007). Standing
from this there are different forms and types of decentralization.

2.3.1 Deconcentrating or Administrative decentralization

Deconcentrating, also known as administrative decentralization is the transfer of responsibilities,
authorities and resources from a center to local units. Through deconcentrating, powers and
responsibilities are transferred to governmental institutions within the jurisdictional authority of
the central government. Therefore, a local unit, which enjoys deconcentrated power, is ultimately
answerable to the center; even if it may have certain discretion. Deconcentrating may be either
general or functional. General deconcentration takes place when a variety of tasks are
deconcentrated to local level Functional deconcentration on the other hand comes about when
specific tasks are deconcentrated to field units of the center, ( Assefa, 2003).
It indicate that from this can concluded is that deconcentration is commonly regarded as a
process through which powers, functions, responsibilities and resources are transferred from
central to local governments and/or to other decentralized entities howsoever defined.

2.3.2 Delegation
Delegation refers to a situation where decision-making and administrative authority and
responsibility for definite tasks are transferred from a center to an autonomous sub-national unit.
The central government defines the powers, which are to be transferred. It also puts conditions
under which the delegated powers are exercised. Moreover, the center can take back the powers,

[Type text] Page 11

which are so transferred through delegation. Yet, the sub-national government is viewed as an
autonomous entity, (Bahl& Linn, 1992, P: 3).

This implies that, the relationship of the central government and the sub-national government
that is entrusted with delegated powers is characterized as a ‘principal-agent relationship the
central government bears the ultimate responsibility for the decisions of the local unit.

2.3.3 Devolution or democratic decentralization

As Zemelak (2008) discussed devolution refers to a situation where a local level government is
constituted legally as a separate governance body and that powers and responsibilities are
transferred to such unit on permanent basis. This form of decentralization referred to as “genuine
decentralization”. Devolution implies the autonomy of the lower level unit. The lower level unit
has distinct and legally recognized geographical boundaries and legal personality.

From this point of view, the powers and responsibilities are transferred to it through
constitutional or other similar legislative instruments. Devolution refers to the transfer of
authority for decision-making, finance and management to quasi-autonomous levels of
government. In devolution, lower levels of government have a clear and legally recognized
geographical jurisdiction over which they exercise authority and within which they perform
public functions.

2.4 Types of decentralization

Forms of decentralization are stated above as it is cited with different authors, but in some
authors forms and types are describe forms as type and type as forms. In other ways and
discussed vice versa and list them as the key element of decentralization. In the other ways, some
authors also list types of decentralization like political and administrative decentralization.
However, these listed below are types of decentralization for this study, (Zemelak, 2008).

2.4.1 Fiscal Decentralization

Is another concept of decentralization measure, as the key element of decentralization, the
decentralized powers and roles to the various levels of government should be well supported to
meet the rationale of decentralization? This clarifies the heart of the need for fiscal
decentralization. With this in mind, fiscal decentralization deals with the assignment of

[Type text] Page 12

expenditure, revenue sources and intergovernmental transfers of financial resources between the
decentralized levels of governments. Thus, fiscal decentralization indicates that adequate level of
revenue raised locally or transferred from the central government must be available to the
decentralized governments. Hence, all levels of government should have substantial discretion to
make decision about expenditure (Litvack, et al, 1998, Jacques’ in Solomon, 2006:45)

As described by Negalign (2010) nowadays, fiscal decentralization is the proper location by level
of government of various taxes, speeding programs, grants and regulation is becoming an
important issue not only in the literature but also in the real world. Thus, Fiscal decentralization
can take many forms, including Self- financing or cost recovery through user charges, co-
financing or co-production preparations. Through which the users participate in providing
services and infrastructure through monetary or labor contributions, development of local
revenues through property or sales tax or indirect charges, intergovernmental transfers that
change general revenues from taxes collected by the central government to local governments for
general or specific uses.

As discussed by Boxe (2001:5)

Intergovernmental fiscal relation studies how these different levels of government

interact with each other on fiscal issues.
The assignment of fiscal decision-making powers and management responsibilities to
lower level of government has four building blocks these are:
1) Assignment of expenditure responsibilities: what are the functions and responsibilities
of each level of government?
2) Assignment of Revenue Sources: what tax and non-tax revenues sources will be made
available to sub national governments in order to provide them with resource?
3) Intergovernmental fiscal transfers: in addition to assigning revenue sources, central
government may provide regional and local government with additional resources
through a system of intergovernmental transfer or grants
4) Sub-national deficit borrowing and debt: if sub national governments do not carefully
balance their annual expenditure with revenues and transfers, this will result in sub
national deficit and the incurrence of date.

2.4.1.1 Expenditure Assignment

One of the basic rationales for fiscal decentralization is that allocating expenditure
responsibilities and discretion to make decision at local tiers of government would enhance
efficiency. That means being closer to the people, the lower levels of government are in a good

[Type text] Page 13

 position to identify the taste and preferences of local people and meet them efficiently. Shah
(2008:297) claims that both revenue and expenditure responsibilities should be assigned clearly
to enable citizen to discern good from bad performance and the demand results from the
respective levels of the government. The expenditure assignment involves decision as to which
level of government should the formulation financing and management of policies be allocated.
In broad sense, the allocation of expenditure authority in federal countries should complete in
line with the legislative and administrative responsibilities allocated to each tier of government
(Watts, 1999: 44).

Table2.1: Conceptual Basis of Expenditure Assignment

Expenditure category Service responsibility Provision of

service
Defense F F
Foreign Affairs F F
International Trade F F
Environment F S, L
Currency, Banking F F
Interstate Commerce F F
Immigration F F
Unemployment, Insurance F F
Airline , Rail ways F F
Industry & Agriculture F, S, L S, L
Education, Health & Social Welfare F, S, L F, S, L
Police S, L S, L
Highways F, S, L S, L
Natural Resources F, S, L S, L
Source: Shah (2007)
Notes: F= Federal S= State L= Local

2.4.1.2 Revenue Assignment

The assignment of revenue refers to the division of financial sources between the various levels
of governments, which involves the tax collection assignment. The assignment of revenue
sources is a crucial element done after the allocation of functions to different levels of
government (Shah, 2007:18).

[Type text] Page 14

Table 2.2: Conceptual Basis of Tax Assignment
Tax Category Determination of Tax collection & Comment
Base Rate
Administration
Customs F F F
Income Tax F F, S,L F Can be
collected and
administer at
State & Local
levels
Estates& Gifts F F, S F
Corporate tax F F, S F
Resource tax F F, S F
Retail Sales S S S
VAT F F, S F, SC
Excises S S S
Property Tax S L L
User Charges F, S, L F, S, L F, S, L
Source: Shah (2007)
Notes: F= Federal S= State SC= State Council L= Local

2.4.1.3 Intergovernmental Fiscal Transfers

As Bird & Smart (2001) (cited in, shah (2008:299). In addition to assigning revenue sources,
central government may provide regional and local governments with additional resources
through a system of intergovernmental transfer or grants. Besides the assignment of own- source
of revenues, fiscal systems relay on to varying degree on intergovernmental transfer to ensure
resource adequacy at sub national levels. Though the design, allocation, mechanism, magnitude
and relative importance of fiscal transfer vary across country, the transfer should ensure certainty
and predictability so that the local governments to prevent opportunities shifts of expenditure
obligations to higher levels of government.

The revenue and expenditure assignments give rise to vertical and horizontal imbalances within a
country’s intergovernmental finances. In fact, every intergovernmental transfer system has two
dimensions: (I) the vertical dimension concerned with the distribution of revenues between
central and local governments and (2) the horizontal dimension, concerned with the allocation of

[Type text] Page 15

financial resources among the recipient units. A Vertical imbalance occurs when the expenditure
responsibility of sub national governments do not match with their revenue raising power.

As Negalign (2010) cited in (Tegegn&Kassahun 2007:19). Though a horizontal imbalance takes

place when own physical capacities to carry out the same functions differ across sub national
governments.

2.4.1.4 Sub-national Borrowing

Sub national revenue imminent from taxation and fiscal transfers is commonly small relative to
the large infrastructure demands created by rapidly accelerating expansion. As a result, sub
national borrowing has become an essential source of sub national finances, especially in
developing countries. Owing to wide spread decentralization of expenditure responsibilities,
local governments usually command a lion share in public sector investments (Liu &Waibel,
2006: 215). However, local governments particularly in developing countries do not use credit
finance widely. This is partly has to do with the fact that their financial ability to carry out debt is
limited and partly because of central constraints on local loan which include: a cumbersome and
lengthy review and approval process, high interest rates, high capital matching contributions and
short loan maturities As Negalign (2010) cited in (Bahl& Linn, 1992: 452).

2.4.2 Debate on Decentralization

There is an increasing demand for decentralization across the world. Nevertheless,
decentralization is controversial issue that raises a hot debate among scholars and policy makers.
Arguments and counter arguments about decentralization are presented on the bases of
efficiency, accountability, manageability and autonomy principles, (Bird and Linn 1992: 388).
For instance, they (the above authors) argue in favor of decentralization based on efficiency on
diverse grounds.
Not all these arguments, especially the efficiency arguments for decentralization
equally work to all countries of the world. Some countries are more beneficiary of
decentralization while others benefited less out it. In this regard, it is industrial
countries, which benefited more out of fiscal decentralization than developing
countries. He attributes this reality partly to the fact that theory of fiscal
decentralization developed first in the industrial countries and partly because it
requires democratic process, (Bird and Linn 1992:388).
To the contrary, there are also scholars who uphold the advantages of centralization for various
reasons. Such group of scholars contends that central government should have to control the

[Type text] Page 16

main fiscal instruments such as taxation, spending and borrowing to ensure economic
stabilization and better macro-economic situation in the country,(Oates 1999: 1121, Bahl& Linn,
1992: 387; Eshetu, 1993: 10 and Zemelak 2007). For this reason, they accuse decentralization for
undermining efficiency.
Because, Prud'Homme (1995: 6-7) argues, decentralization model takes a number of hypotheses
into account that are very difficult to meet in developing countries. It emphases entirely on
demand efficiency and ignores supply efficiency. The other reason forwarded supporting
centralization are its ability to fight corruption since corruption is rampant more at the lower
levels than at the central level of government (Prud'Homme, 1995:10). This implies that
decentralization is more effective and efficiency in developed countries than under developed
countries.
Opponents of decentralization entertain a view that centralization serves better to distribute
income since decentralization may increase regional disparities in income and wealth. Hence,
centralization ensures the national government more power in adjusting regional variation in
public service and taxation (Oates, 1999).

2.5 Why all the stress about decentralization?

Many countries are demonstrating unparalleled interest in a decentralized form of governance.
The interest is even more visible in hitherto centralized developing countries. There are, among
others, three key rationales behind this growing interest in decentralization. The first rationale is
the desire to achieve democratization and enhance public participation. The second major
rationale is the wish to reduce the prevalence of poverty in these countries. The third major
rationale is that, in ethnically diverse states, decentralization is viewed as a means to prevent or
contain ethnic conflicts and to accommodate diversity within a unified state, (Zemelak2008).

2.5.1 Decentralization, democracy and public participation

As Tuene, (1995) discussed there is a general agreement that there is a direct relationship
between decentralization and democratization. This is based on a premise that decentralization
creates multiple electoral positions at multiple levels of government.

[Type text] Page 17

2.5.2 Decentralization, poverty reduction and development
The urgency in many developing states to reduce poverty and bring development is the second
major reason behind the growing interest in decentralization. By development what is meant here
an improved living standard of the local citizenry, which results from efficient service delivery.
As it was seen above, decentralization has a direct bearing on democratization and the ‘quality of
governance Good governance is considered as a key factor, both in its own right and as a means
to reduce poverty; (Beetham, 1996).

As Katsiaouni (2003) argued, good governance that comes about with a genuine decentralization
positively encourages both civil society and the private sector to invest and commit themselves
to a country and its localities. It also encourages foreign direct investment. International financial
and development organizations will be keen to assist development activities when there is good
governance in a country. Therefore, decentralization, by augmenting democratization and good
governance, paves the way for poverty reduction and development. So that “Public service
delivery is more equitable, efficient, of a higher quality and better geared towards responding to
local requirements and conditions as local authorities are by definition closer to the problems.

2.5.3 Decentralization as a means to prevent ethnic clashes

The other rationale for decentralization is empowering ethnic minorities and thereby preventing
or mitigating ethnic conflicts. Generally accommodating diverse ethnic groups within a single
political unit is raised in connection with a federal system, (Pitere, 2011).

This will allow ethnic minorities to exercise self-governance to maintain their culture and way of
life. Their participation in the public sphere under decentralized systems will also have a
‘stabilizing’ effect. It is also argued that decentralized system establishes a political channel,
which serves as a forum for dialogue and reconciliation, (Mahakanjana, 2006).

Therefore, in a decentralized system, it is likely that key concerns of ethnic minorities will be
given due consideration. Furthermore, decentralized system gives ethnic minorities the chance to
use their language for work and education in their localities and to develop their culture.

2.5.4 Risks of Decentralization

Both of those who favor and disfavor decentralization admit that decentralization poses certain
risks. One such concern is that a decentralization is prone for capture by corrupt and non-
[Type text] Page 18
accountable local ‘elites’ (Brosio2004).This may work against both decentralized democracy and
development. Decentralization may be used to promote divisive demands.

As Stoker; (1996), argued that it may even be used to promote secessionist agenda. Rather than
stabilizing, decentralization may lead to inter-ethnic competition and conflict. Instead of bringing
development, decentralization may destabilize the macro economy and lead to an inequitable
growth among different localities. Those who are in favor of decentralized system, while
accepting that decentralization may pose some risks maintain that the risks are not typical to a
decentralized system. Concerning the possibility of the capture of power by no accountable and
corrupt authorities, for example, they argue that the risk is also present in a centralized system.
They even claim that, as the corrupt activities of those in centralized system have the tendency of
having a nationwide effect, they are even more harmful than those in a decentralized system are.

The retain ruling out decentralization for the fear of a risk of non-accountable and
corrupt local authorities is not the rational thing to do. Rather the effort should be
directed at creating effective system in which corrupt authorities are held
responsible. With respect to the argument that decentralization may worsen inter-
ethnic conflict and let lose secessionist groups, the opposite view is that centralized
system is rather inherently repressive of ethnic diversity. It neither allows diverse
ethnic groups to share power nor does it offer them the chance to administer ;(Oates
1999:1121).

Moreover, as Shah; (2006) argues, the majority-minority ratio of ethnic groups is most often
unchanging. A centralized system, therefore, keeps the ethnic majorities in power while
marginalizing the minorities.

When ethnic minorities are kept marginalized, they will tend to resort to violence to have
their interest recognized. Decentralized system, conversely, believed to furnish ethnic
minorities with a space to take care of their own affairs make it possible for people of
diverse identity to live together in harmony. Others in response to the concern the
argument that decentralization may endanger the nationwide development of the country
by affecting the macro economy leading to inequitable growth and service delivery among
localities argue that local governance is not a substitute to central governance. Thus, the
central government will play a role to stabilize the macro economy and to maintain

[Type text] Page 19

 equitable development among the localities. The most important role that the central
government plays in this regard is supervision; (Shah 2006).

De Visser, (2005) says; the supervisory role of the central government has three elements. That
is regulation, monitoring and redistribution. Using its regulatory power, the central government
puts forth a legal framework that creates a developmental local government.

2.6 Empowerment
Empowerment is one of the important pillars in development and it has been used in many
disciplines including health (WHO, 2012), education (and in political, gender, economical and
community development. (Shah 2006);

According to Wallace (2006), the theory was designed to structure a community involvement
approach that enables community people to increase their knowledge and health care decision
making capabilities. The desired outcome of community empowerment is as community
members participate proactively in ways to attach their highest potential. The theory also
mentions empowerment of members of the community to promote changes that will address the
needs and issues identified by the community

Brosio (2004) explained that involvement means when people in the community create support
groups to identify their mutual needs, resources, and barriers to ultimately respond to a problem
the community is facing done through planning, implementing, and intervening as a group.

This mean to that in order to know the extent of authority of local empowerment the participation
of citizen is inevitable.

2.7 The African Experience in Decentralization

Immediately after countries were liberated from colonialism in the 1970s, the issue of how to
overcome the colonial legacies and developing their nations was a forefront one to tackle. To this
effect, initiations to decentralize their structures and development programs emerged across
many counties. This conviction led to a pragmatic pursuit in 1980s, of course, pressurized by the
World Bank Structural Adjustment Program (SAP). An assessment made in 30 African countries
by the World Bank (Ndegwa2002). This shows different results for their comprehensive
achievements in three dimensions of decentralization. The 1990s was the second stage, where

[Type text] Page 20

many African countries opted for transformation to more democratic and competitive political
systems, being influenced by internal and external conditions.

To resolve conflicts, to overcome the poverty problem and speed up development,

decentralization has become a sine qua non program in almost all African counties,
among which only four have a federal form of constitution. Namely: political, fiscal and
administrative. Downward and upward accountability and stability systems were also
part of the study. In this study, Ethiopia stood 9th, slightly above average, while 17
countries were below average in their two five-year term (1991-2000) evaluations. When
the dimensions were evaluated separately, none of the countries was old enough to
adequately transfer decision-making powers on resources and revenue generation.
Sticking to past extreme centralization practices, because of path dependency, there was
reluctance to decentralize key authorities and important resource bases. Since it is
considered that promises have been unfulfilled, this reluctance in turn put countries into
an extreme crisis that they cannot easily overcome. In ten African countries pointed out
that Ethiopia has successfully accomplished the decentralization process, particularly in
the area of devolution of power to sub national governments. However, the finding did
not elaborate what has been achieved at the grassroots level (in governance,
participation, economic activities, etc. (Ndegwa, 2002);

2.8 Decentralization in Ethiopian experience

After a long and terrible civil war, on 29 May 1991 the Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Front
(EPRDF) forces toppled the Derg and took power. Few days later, through a national conference
held in Addis Ababa and with the participation of about 30 political parties, a Transitional Period
Charter was adopted. The Charter established the Transitional Government of Ethiopia (TGE)
and served as an interim constitution of the country until 1994. The Charter began reversing the
centralization process. Accordingly, it recognized the right of “nations and nationalities” to self-
governance. Consequently, it called for the establishment of regional and local government based
on the settlement pattern the various ethnic groups of the country. Accordingly, a proclamation,
which was issued by the TGE, established fourteen regions were delimited. Forty-eight ethnic
groups, out of the identified sixty-four, were allowed to establish their own transitional self-
government at local and regional level. The rest of the ethnic groups were designated as
minorities. The minorities had no right to establish their own government at local level.
However, they had the right to representation at the local councils. In this way, the Charter put an
end to the centralist governance system of the previous regimes and laid down the foundation for
the ethnic federal structure of the country. (Assefa, 2007:47).

[Type text] Page 21

This means to that in 1995 a new Constitution was promulgated which formally established the
country as a federal state. The Ethiopian federation is composed of nin ethnically defined
regional states and two autonomous cities. The regional states are Tigray, Amhara, Afar, Oromia,
Somali, Benishangul-Gumuz, Gambella Harari, Southern Nations Nationalities and Peoples’
(SNNPR) regions. Addis Ababa and Dire Dawa were structured as autonomous cities, (Young,
1998). In addition to this there is another tenth region that is Sidamma in recent but it is not
incorporated in the constitution.

2.9 Decentralization in Amhara regional State

An Amhara national regional state is found in the northwestern part of Ethiopia. Amhara region
is the second largest state in Ethiopia. The state has an estimated population of about 27milion.
Around 92.1 percent of the people in the state belong to the Amhara ethnic group. There are also
Oromo, Himra and Awi ethnic groups in the state, (FDRE Population Census Commission,
2007). The revised constitutions of the Amhara regional states provide that the administrations of
the regional states be structured at regional, woreda and kebele level.

2.9.1 Local Government in Amhara Region

The regional administration, woreda and kebele administrations are established in the regions.
Yet, woredais seen as the important local government units while a kebele is simply an
implementing agent of the woreda. A woredais established on a geographical area in which
100,000 more people reside. There are a number of towns and cities in the region. These urban
centers, as it will be discussed in some length below, have their own councils. In addition, the
ethnic minorities, which reside in the Amhara region, are entitled to their own councils, Art 45(4)
the (ARS Constitution, 2001).

Thus, as will be discussed above, the regional government has established ethnic based local
units to the Oromo, Awi and Himra ethnic groups, which are regarded as indigenous ethnic
groups of the Amhara regional state.

[Type text] Page 22

 Federal Government

Regional Government

Zones as Zones as Oversight

Interne Diaries bodies of Woreda

W oreda

Kebele

Figure 1: Ethiopian decentralized governance structure

Source (Zemelak, 2006).

2.9.2 Nationality zones in Amhara Regional State

As briefly stated above, in the Amhara regional state, there are three indigenous ethnic
minorities, which are found concentrated in certain geographical areas within the region. The
Regional Constitution recognizes the right to self-determination and self-government of these
ethnic minorities. In effect, the Constitution designates a geographical area which is inhabited by
an ethnic minority as “Nationality Zone” ARSC articles 80&91 (2001);

It also requires the establishment of government institution in these areas. Accordingly, the three
ethnic minorities in the region i.e. the Himra, Awi and Oromo ethnic minorities have their own
nationality zones. Nationality zone has three principal organs. The organs are legislative council
called nationality council (NC) and an executive council known as nationality executive council
(NEC).

2.9.3 Nationality Administration in Wag-Hmira Nationality Zone

Amhara NRS, designed to preserve the rights to separate administration and autonomy of various
non-Amhara ethnic enclaves living within the regional state’s borders, in this case the
Agaw/Himra ‘Special’ zones differ from other zones in the region, which – at least formally -
function only as an administrative link between woreda and region (Sarah, 2003). By contrast,
‘special’ zones are ‘self-determining units’, and incorporate an additional tier of elected

[Type text] Page 23

legislature and executive which reflect and embody the rights of self-determination granted to
the populations in question, on the basis of their distinct ethnicity.

Wag-himra nationality administrative zone which initially formed part of Simien-Wollo

(although it shows up as a separate unit) was established as an autonomous unit following a
conference of interested parties, held in Sekota in 1994 (Sarah, 2003).

As Article 77, of Amhara National Regional Constitution, the highest executive authority of the
Nationality Administration is rested on the administrative council and accountable to the chief
administrator and the council of the nationality zone. The administrative council of the
nationality shall be recognized in such a manner as to comprise the chief administrator, deputy
chief administrator as well as those executive departments residing in the nationality
administration concerned. The powers and duties of the nationality administrative council as
discussed (Negalign, 2010:53).

 Make certain the implementation of laws enacted and decision rendered by the council of
the Nationality concerned, the Regional Council as well as the Federal State Organs,
within the limits of the administration.

 Decides on the organization of departments qualified to be member of the administrative

council and other executive bodies, follows up their activities and directs them thereof.

 Prepare the annual budget proposal of the administration, submits to the council of the
nationality council and gets same implemented upon approval.

 Formulate the specific economic and social development policies and strategies of the
administration, submits same to the council of the nationality and there by executes the
decisions thereon;

 Ensue the maintenance of law and order as well the protection of the public Pease and
security, within the limit of the administration.

2.10. Empirical evidences

There are researches, which have been conducted in role of decentralization in the world, Africa
and Ethiopia. Especially researches conducted in Ethiopia were not focused on about the role of
decentralization, in empowering nationality administration zone; there is no also a previous study
that has been carried out in the study area. Since, there is no enough study conducted in the area
the researcher could not find extra empirical evidences on the study area. However, a research

[Type text] Page 24

conducted by other nationality zones in the region (ARS) and other region (SNNPR) like Awi,
and wolayta nationality zones.

2.10 Conceptual Framework

The following diagram involves the dependent and independent variables of the research. In a
research study, the independent variables are what causes or influence the outcomes where as
dependent variables are what are influenced by independent variables. Here, the independent
variable of this study is role of decentralization in empowering nationality administration where
as the dependent variables are self-administration, empowering democracy, the levels of
autonomy. And citizen participation in different decision-making activities are explained by its
causes and consequences. As it is indicated below by the same figure, Empowerment of
nationality zone administration is restricted by these variables. This diagram shows the study of
to what extent practice decentralization enables others to act in their own jurisdiction. Lading
through exemplary, practice diverse policies, improve multi organizational coordination.
Capacity building, practice guiding principles, implement and create enabling. Local democracy
people participation and self -administration in general people level of autonomy local
administration.

[Type text] Page 25

. Hence, the researcher has developed a conceptual framework based on the study from the
literature.

The Role of decentralization in empowering

NADZ (NAD)
Z

Local capacity for planning Effective local governance system

(LCP ) (ELGS )

Economic growth Participation Accountability Service delivery

Citizen’s participation Self-administration

n

Empowering democracy

Figure 2.Framework of decentralized governance. Source Ali khan (2013).

2.11 Research Gap

[Type text] Page 26

There are also researches, which have been conducted in role of decentralization in the world,
Africa and Ethiopia. Especially researches conducted in Ethiopia were not focused on about the
role of decentralization, in empowering nationality administration zone, there is no a previous
study that has been carried out in Wag-Himra. (Kassa, Sean, Hansjorg, 2018) Synthesizing Good
Practices in Fiscal Federalism: (Hoka, Feleke, and Naol, 2018), the role of decentralization in
promoting good governance: (Pitere, 2011) Decentralization and service delivery in Ethiopia:
(Zemelak, 2008) Local government in Ethiopia adequate empowerment. Were some of the
researches that were previously. In addition to these there are researches conducted regarding
empowerment of nationality administration as the researcher stated in statement of the problem
Some researchers try to access the Role of Decentralization in Promoting Good Governance in
Ethiopia for example Hika, Feleke& Naol (2018).The finding of the study shows that the practice
of political and administrative decentralization was good. However, fiscal decentralization was
lowly practiced and remains the problem in promoting good governance. This was mainly
because power of raising and controlling own revenue, extent of expenditure planning and
financing, revenue transfer ratio, autonomy to borrow fund, financial management capacities of
local governments were low in Wolaita and Dawuro zones. But this research did not show the
role of the nationality administrative zone councils who can make decision over the allocation of
resources for developmental (Education, Health, Agricultural) institutions and their effective
implementation of the plan in relation to their power to make decision on the nationality
administration zones development.

Studies related to accountability of administrators, participation the public in planning and

decision making process, the current status of zonal autonomy, the level of community
participation, civic society participation, participation of state and non-state actors, such as
NGOs, professional associations, other opposition parties and the private sectors are important
for establishing good governance will be taken as important areas of investigation.

Even more researches are conducted in decentralization and empowering ethnic minority in
Ethiopia especially in Amhara like Negalign (2010). An assessment of the current status of
decentralized government and self-administration in Amhara regional state: A study condcted in
Awi nationality administrative zone. But, none has ever studied done in Wage-Himra area on this
issue.

[Type text] Page 27

 . Therefore, the researcher has gone to fill the gap, which has not done about the role of decentralization in
empowering nationality administration zone. No research is done in wag himra tha this research will be
conducted.

CHAPTER THREE

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3.1 Introduction
This section begins with a discussion of the methodological approach of the study. It also
provides an outline of the research design, methods, tools and sources of research data with
emphasis on the data collection, targeted groups and organizations and areas where the data will
collect. The study will design to describe the role of decentralization in empowering nationality
administration zone: The case of Wag himra nationality administration zone Amhara regional
state.

3.2 Description of the study area

3.2.1 Location
The study will be conducted in Wag-himra nationality administration. Wag-himra is found in the
Amhara regional, state and is located at 12° 38' 24" and 39° 1' 48" E. It is also situated, 720 km
North of Addis Ababa and 561 km northeast of Bahir-dear, capital city of Amhara regional state.

[Type text] Page 28

 Figure: 4 Location map of the study Woredas ( Ethiopian Map Agency, 2020).)

Interpretation of field mapping gave knowledge of the spatial distribution of possible explanatory
factors

3.2.2 Topography
The rising and falling terrain is the marked topography of the wag-himra nationality
administration. The topography of the area is composed of a chain of mountains, hills, shallow
valleys and plains that expose the natural resource to serious degradation due mainly to erosion.
In general, the nationality administration is characterized by different slopes, where 67% of the
hill, 16.8% of shallow valley and 15.9% of the plains. The elevation varies from 1500 meters to
3500 meters above sea level.

3.2.3 Population
Based on the 2007 national census conducted by the central statistical agency of Ethiopia (CSA),
the Wag-himra nationality administration zone had a total population of 426,038of whom
208759 are men and 217279 women. The majority of the inhabitants practiced Ethiopian
Orthodox Christianity, with 95.98% as their religion, while 3.8% were Muslim.

[Type text] Page 29

 According to the central statistics agency’s census (CSA, 2007) report, about 11% of the
population lives in the Woreda towns and one city administration town and the remaining 89 %
is in a rural kebele. Women constitute 51% and males 49% of the total population. The major
ethnic group in the Wag-himra nationality administration zone is Agaw, however about 52 % of
the population speaks Amharic, 45% Agawugna (Himtigna) and 3% Tigrigna (Simegn, 2009).
3.3 Research Design
This study employee case study typically to gather special information about a particular issue at
one point of time. It engages a limited number of informants who were expected to provide key
information that could apply to a larger population. Since a case study emphasizes the detailed
contextual analysis of a limited number of events or conditions, it was considered that this
method best fits the intended type of study. A research design is a procedural case study, because
the researcher investigates the issue in detail. Case study is a design of inquiry found in many
fields, especially evaluation, in which the researcher develops an in-depth analysis of a case,
often a program, event, activity, process, or one or more individuals. Cases are bounded by time
and activity, and researchers collect detailed information using a variety of data collection
procedures over a sustained period of time (Stake, 1995; Yin, 2009, 2012).

Normally, a research design determines the type of analysis you should carry out to get the
desired results. To what extent our design is good or bad depends on whether we are able to get
the answers to our research questions. If the design is poor, the results of the research also will
not be promising (Kerlinger, 1986).

The research also employs a qualitative research approach. Qualitative research is especially
suitable for the study of phenomenon where least is known and a few secondary data are
available. The reason why the qualitative method has been chosen is that it uses “unreconstructed
logic to get at what is really real -- the quality, meaning, context or images of reality in what
communities actually do, not what they say they do as on interviews (Berg, 1989: 239). The
rationale for selecting this method is to explain the existing situation concerning respondents
view about the role decentralization empowering nationality administrative zone and to gather
special information. Accordingly, this approach is helpful to indicate and explain the existing
experience and deeply investigate in Wag himra nationality administration.

[Type text] Page 30

 3.4 Sampling procedure
Wag-himra nation’s administrative zone has eight Woreda and one municipal administrative
city. By considering the level of the researcher, availability of trained enumerators, and the
amount of money available of the study and the time available for completion of the study, two
Woreda and nation’s administrative zone i.e., Sekota Woreda, Abergelle woreda, and nationality
administrative zone are the target populations. From these 36 selected leaders and employees
(officers), key informants and two focus group (10 group members in each group) discussions
members participated in the study. The respondents selected using a non-probability sampling
technique with a judgment sampling method. The 36 key informants are nominated purposively
from the selected Woreda and nation’s administrative zone councils, people’s speakers, sectors
like, education, health, finance economy development, and higher and Woreda court office’s
heads and officers those who have the knowhow about decentralization empowering nationality
administration. The data was gathered using an in-depth structured interview. Since the study
follows a case study method, it is quite often use the technique of structured interview because of
its being more economical, providing a safe basis for generalization and requiring relatively
lesser skill on the part of the interviewer (C.R. Kothari, 2004). To triangulate the data quality,
four focus group discussions was carried out and each group have ten members obtain from two
woredas from the residents like elder people, youth, women and woreda councils members.

3.5 Source of Data

In this study, both primary and secondary data sources were employed to maximize the quality of
data. The primary data sources are the sample respondents from whom the data collect.
Secondary data was collected from published and unpublished documents, and reports from the
selected Woreda and nation’s administrative zone councils, education, health, finance economy
development, and higher and Woreda court offices.
3.5.1 Primary Data

The primary data were collected from the Zone and Woreda chief administrators and selected
zone and Woreda council member’s officials from selected institution key informants who have
awareness about decentralization (Federalism) either their leadership experience or their
academic knowledge. Primary data sources are gathered for a specific research project. Primary
data are more accurate and reliable compared to secondary data (Ajayi, 2017). Primary data

[Type text] Page 31

source is what the researcher originally collected from the institutions that are nearest to the case
of the study.

3.5.2 Secondary Data

The researcher also use secondary data by analyzing documents like files (reports and plans),
strategic plan manuals and documents as well as policy papers to get additional information. In
addition to this, a variety of books, published and/or unpublished government documents,
websites, journals and research reports are reviewed to make the study meaningful.

3.6 Sample Technique

The researcher is interested to use qualitative data analysis, which is a non-probability sampling
design, Means a non-probability sampling design does not adopt the theory of probability
sampling and hence no known chance of elements to be part of the sample. Therefore, it applies
a judgmental (Purposive) technique of non-random sampling technique throughout the study.

As Creswell, a non-probability sampling method, there is no specific answer to the question

‘how many sites and participants should you have.’ For Creswell, (2014:234) sample size
depends on the qualitative design being used, for example case study is intended to examine one
single culture-sharing group with numerous historical facts, interviews, and focus group
discussions. In addition, he also noted that the idea behind qualitative research is purposefully
select participants or sites (or documents or visual material) that is best help the researcher
understand the problem and the research question. Moreover, according to Adams, et al. (2007),
additional reasons for choosing non-probability over probability sampling are cost and time
factors. Accordingly, Hence through purposive sampling enabled the researcher to get
experienced zonal and Woreda leaders, department heads officials who had been engaged and
participated in the local administrative and service delivery activities. the representative sample
respondents were selected purposively in the course of this study.

3.7 Sample Size

A sample size is defined by Misquitta (2016) to refer to the number of representatives
respondents selected for interview from a target population. The number depends on the
accuracy needed, population size, population heterogeneity and resources available. The sample
sizes of this study primarily focus on two groups. The first group of samples the two selected

[Type text] Page 32

Woreda,(Sekota and Abergelle) council member, chief administrators selected institution leaders
and officials and the second group of samples those that are carefully selected council member,
chief and administrators selected institution leaders and officials at zonal government levels. In
order to triangulate the information from key informants there are also two focused group
discussions in the two selected woredas, from elder people, youths women and selected woreda
council members.

Table 3.1: Target participants from selected woredas and zonal leaders

Number Sample Sample Units Number of Sample Data gathering tools

frame respondents Method
1 Sample Principal 1x3=3 Purposive Key informant interview
Frame administrative
2 Zonal and Chief speaker 1x3=3 Purposive Key informant interview
woredas (Mikrbet)
3 Zonal and Education office 1x3=3 Purposive Key informant interview
woredas head
4 Zonal and Health office 11x3=3 Purposive Key informant interview
woredas head
5 Zonal and Economic and 1x3=3 Purposive Key informant interview
selected finance office
woredas
6 Zonal and Judiciary 1x3=3 Purposive Key informant interview
selected
woredas
Total 18 Both Woreda and Zonne
Source: own computation (2021)

Table 3.2 Target participants from selected woredas and zonal officials
Number Sample Frame Sample Unit Number of Sampling Method Data
respondent gathering
s tool
1 Zone and Administrative 1x3=3 Purposive Key
informant
woredas officer interview

2 Zone and Education offices 1x3=3 Purposive Key

informant
woredas officer interview

3 Zone and Health offices 1x3=3 Purposive Key

informant
woredas officer interview

4 Zone and offices 1x3=3 Purposive Key

informant
departments,

[Type text] Page 33

 woredas officers interview

5 Zone and Council 1x3=3 Purposive Key

informant
woredas (mikrbet) officer interview

Total 18

Source: own computation (2021)

Table 3.3 Target participants from selected woredas (FGD)

Number Sample frame Sample unit Number of Sample method
respondents
1 Sekota woreda Councilmember 10 Purposive
(5),elders(2),youth(1
) ,and women (2)
2 Abergele woredas Councilmember 10 Purposive
(5),elders(2),youth(1
) ,and women (2)
Total 20

Source: own computation (2021)

3.8 Data Collection Instruments

The study applies different data collection instruments. These include key informant interviews
for selected heads and officials, Councils members, elders, women and youth from zone and
Woredas (two of selected), focus group discussion, Observation and document analysis. The
applicability of the instruments is highlighted below.

3.8.1 Key informant interview

Is reasonably important where by the well informed members of the Zone and selected woredas
leaders and officers’ study provide the researcher with rich and detailed information on the
subject of inquiry. Key informants are persons who have unique knowledge about the issue
under study, and have access to other information of interest to the researcher. Further, for
collecting this information, interview guideline design and employ to track the interview session.
There are key-informants structured questions presented. It conducted faced to face with the
researcher and facilitated by researcher.

3.8.2 Focus Group Discussion (FGD)

Focus group discussion conducted with Woreda council members and elder people women and
youths. Two Focus Group Discussions carried out and each consist ten members. The focus

[Type text] Page 34

group discussion will administer by the researcher. The discussions will mainly focus on the
active participation of decision-making process; power sharing experiences; and the merits and
demerits of decentralization on the local administrations empowerment in Wag-himra nationality
administration zone. This instrument of data collection used to crosscheck and to triangulate the
data collected from multiple sources. Data triangulations used to overcome the limitations and
biases that steam from using single method and thereby increasing the reliability of the finding
when the research conduct.

3.8.3 Field Observation

In addition to the above data collection tools, the researcher gathered data through personal
observation directly from the study area passively participating and attending for one month,
three council meetings observe in each selected woreda and nationality council,where many local
administrative organizations and services are delivering in the study area. This data collection
tools helps the researcher to reach different situations and circumstances of the disclosed
participants. The researcher observed all level decentralization extent, namely, the ethnic and
language aspects; the fiscal decentralization aspects; development ways of service delivering
aspects; private investment aspects, and the performance of lower level administrations provision
of basic goods and services, provision of infrastructures, representation and appointment in
political and administrative institutions of zone and woredas administration.

3.9 Method of Data Analysis

Data analysis in the study pursued thematic approach. Thus, the qualitative data that generated
from primary sources by key-informant interviews and focus group discussion were analyzed
through careful interpretation of meanings and contents and through organizing, and
summarizing in accordance with the issue under investigation. Firstly, all the data recorded using
audio tape recorder then the data write down using open coding system and case study method
applied. Finally, to check the validity and reliability of data that were obtain from triangulate
data sources both from primary and secondary sources are cross checked before being interpret.

3.10 Ethical Considerations

The researcher take responsibility essential ethical cares and considered respects the rights,
dignity, privilege and personality as well as their identity are kept confidential for their security

[Type text] Page 35

and safety of the informants. Because the well-being of the research informants and participants
are, the main priority concerned of the research questions. The researcher moreover exercised an
effort to avoid a risk to informants of the research and clearly inform them of their right to
withdraw from the interview at any time if they feel suffering.

CHAPTER FOUR
DATA PRESENTATION ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSIONS

4.1. Introduction

[Type text] Page 36

The purpose of this study was to assess the role of decentralization in empowering nationality
zone in Wag- himra nationality administration, Amhara regional state. In order to achieve the
stated objectives, primary data were collected from different respondents zonal and Woreda
leaders and officials key informants, focus group discussants and concerned sector leaders
through data gathering instruments of interview, FGD and field observation. For this study, 36
interviews were taken to woreda and zone respondents; of which all of them are achieved. Thus,
the response was 100%. Moreover, to obtain additional information, two focus group discussants
(in the selected two woredas), were conducted. For this purpose, two FGDs were formed and in
each FGD there were six-ten (6-10) discussants.
In This chapter, present the analysis of the raw data collected through interviews, FGD and
observation. The chapter is categorized into six parts; the first part deals with response rate, and
demographic characteristics of respondents and the second part focuses on the extent of self-
administration. The third part deals with the participation of citizens in different decision-making
activities; the fourth part focuses major challenges which face to empower nationality
administration zone; the fifth one is about the role of decentralization in empowering democracy
at local level in the study area; and the last part deals with the levels of autonomy, and to
describe the constraints to implement the rights and duties prescribed at ANRS Constitution.
4.1 Demographic Characteristics of Interviewers
Five significant demographic variables of the interviewers were gathered as background
information. These demographic characteristics are sex, age, position, and work experience and
education level of the interviewers. The demographic characteristics of interviewers help the
reader to have clear information about the interviewers.

[Type text] Page 37

Table 4.1 Demographic characteristics of interviewers

No. Variables Categories Frequency Percent

1 Sex Male 29 85.5

Female 7 14.5

Total 36 100

2 Age 18-30 3 8.3

31-40 11 30.5

41-50 17 47.2

51 and more 5 14

36 100

3 Position Heads 12 33.3

Vice 6 16.7

Officers 18 50

Total 36 100

4 Work 1-5 3 8.3

Experience
6-10 16 44.4

11&more than 17 47.3

Total 36 100

5 Education 12-certficate - -
Level
Diploma 6 16.7

1st Degree 19 52.7

Master & above 11 30.6

Total 36 100

Source:
research data: 2021

[Type text] Page 38

 Table.4.1. Presents background information of sample interviewers in terms of sex, educational
level, their current position and year of service. Accordingly, 29(85.5%) of respondents were
males, concerning their age 14 (38.8%) of interviewers were 18-40 years, in their current
position, 18(50%) of them were heads and vice, regarding their work experience 19(52.7%) of
them were 1-10 years work experience, regarding the educational status of the respondents,
6(16.7%), 19 (52.7%) and 11(30.6%) were Diploma, BA and MA holders respectively.
To take full advantage of the diversity and to triangulate the information obtained from different
sources, different categories of respondents were involved in the study including nationality zone
and selected worede chief & vice administrators, council members, officers and residents in
FDG. The respondents included in the study were considered relevant and representative for the
research questions under the study.

4.2. Extent of zonal self -administration autonomy exercised at Wag-himra

nationality administrative zone
Decentralization, following two forms: functional and territorial, is the transfer of power,
authority, responsibility, resources and functions from the central government to regional and
sub - regional structures utilize endogenous knowledge and available resource, to deliver better
services and to bring rapid transformation sectors or to the private sector (Solomon, 2008). This
means that it helps to increase motivation and innovation to enable localities to develop their
area, to exhaustively exploit endogenous knowledge and existing resource, to deliver better
services and to bring rapid transformation.
The strong legal bases for Ethiopian decentralization was Article (2) of the 1991 transitional
period charter which says: Each Nations, Nationalities and peoples of Ethiopia is granted the
right to administer its own affairs within its own defined territory and effectively participate in
the central government on the bases of freedom and fair and proper representation.
Article 50 (4) of EPRDF constitution is the other important legal base for decentralized
governance system and for empowering the lowest level of government (Nationality zone, zone
administration Woredas and Kebeles). Adequate powers shall be granted to the lowest unit of
government to enable the people to participate directly to the administration of such unit. Article
(52) also laid legal provision that ensure devolution of power to the regional government and
granted power to establish lower administrative level under their jurisdiction (EPRDF
Constitution 2001).
As per nationality administration zone to administer its own affairs, to preserve and promote its
own culture and language, article 73, of ANRS constitution provides strong legal ground for the
establishment of Wag-himra nationality administrative zone in sub regional territory. Therefore,
despite the presence of the 15 zones in Amahra national regional state, it is one of legally
recognized tire of governments with the three branches of government as a self-governing entity
(Negalign, 2010).
Local government (zone, woreda & kebele) is level of government deliberately created to bring
government to the people grass-root level and gives a sense of involvement in the political
process that controls their daily lives. The ANRS Constitution recognizes the right to self-

[Type text] Page 39

determination and self-government of the ethnic minorities. In effect, the Constitution designates
a geographical area which is inhabited by an ethnic minority as “Nationality Zone”. It also
requires the establishment of government institution in these areas (ANRS Constitution, 2001).
The revised constitution of ANRS clearly stated structure, power, and duties of regional, zonal,
woreda and kebele governments, but the constitution does not stipulate functions which might be
undertaken by each level of government. Though, the effort made by researchers to identify
functional responsibility among levels of government it is presented as following in relation to
interview, FGD, Field observations and secondary data’s.
Even though zonal autonomy cannot be absolute due to its existence within a region, it is already
recognized to administer its own territory and make its own decision on behalf of people in
nationality zone, and hence, it needs to be free to make their own internal functions. This self- rul
has a strong legal base on both federal and regional constitutions for the purpose of promoting its
language, culture and history. Wag-himra nationality administrative zone is an autonomous
administrative unit within Amhara regional state, and is governed by its local people.
As former research suggest that on the extent of decentralization and self-administration in
practice in zone and woreda level. Decentralization is the transfer of legal and political authority
to plan, make decisions and manage public functions from central government and its agencies to
subordinate units of government and autonomous local government. Because decentralized
governance enhances participation and responsiveness, the degree of decentralization is
measured in terms of the extent of independent decision- making by the various arms of the
government in the provision of social and economic service, (Negaligh (2010).
According to the interview most of woreda and zonal administrators, council members claim that
Wag-himra nationality administrative zone has the power to initiate and implement regulation
specific to its locality. The power of making regulation and directives for the zone administration
to which Wag nationality administrative zone is lacking, it seems that the nationality council
government is higher government to the zone wide. An interview held with most officers also
shows that this has already happened because the nationality council is directly responsible to
regional government and the people of the nationality zone. This implies that while organizing
zonal governments within regions, the regional government may consider the distinct nature of
nationality zone administration.
On the other hand, during the interview conducted with speaker of zone nationality council
about institutional decentralization, he notified that the nationality council has no power to enact
laws, regulations and policies except issuing specific guide lines used to implement regional and
national laws and regulations. He also reveals that in exercising constitutionally granted powers
and duties effectively, zonal administration has faced sensitive financial problem. Therefore,
with no adequate fiscal decentralization, any decentralization program cannot achieve the stated
objective, and those functions and duties cannot be implemented successfully.
Document analysis and interview results show tha; the nationality council does not have the
authority to make policies, rules and regulations that govern their people. Such kind of right is
left for the regional government. The power of legal nature devolved to Wag-himra nationality

[Type text] Page 40

council is to issue and implement its own specific guidelines to be applied within the area of its
jurisdiction. Most of the powers included in the constitution and being applied in practice are
implementation than legislation. Like Woreda level governments, Zone government does not
have power to develop and implement policies and rules which address peoples of Wag-himra
nationality. Despite the nationality council in the upper tires of woreda council, there is no as
such significant power entrusted to zone nationality council compared to Woreda Council,
except issues of specific guide lines and budget proclamation. In fact Wag-himra nationality
administrative zone is autonomous with only language related matters such as preserving,
developing and promoting the language of Wag people.
The interview strengthen that functions and powers are devolved to zonal and woreda councils
are: - they view the nationality council as the higher political organ of the ethnic group
concerned next to the House of People’s Representatives and the Regional Council. The speakers
in zone and woreda chief administrators confirm that the nationality zone has certain powers and
functions. It has the power to determine the working language of the government of the
nationality administration. It has the responsibility to protect the rights of the members of the
ethnic group concerning the right to speak and write in their language. In addition it has the duty
to protect the rights of the members of the ethnic minority to preserve, develop and promote their
language and history. Furthermore, the nationality council has the power to issue laws for the
nationality zones. Yet, the laws which are issued by the nationality council have to be in
conformity with the laws enacted by the state and federal government. The nationality council
has the power to approve the budget of the nationality zones. However, as it will be shown, the
nationality zone is almost totally dependent on the intergovernmental grants from the state
government see it in detail later. Therefore, in adopting the budget of nationality administration
the nationality council has to take into account what is allocated to the nationality administration
by the regional government.
Standing from the respondents view and document analysis the nationality council and
administrators have power and several responsibilities. As The executive body; has the duty to
ensure the implementation of the laws and decisions of the federal, the regional governments as
well as the legislative council of the nationality zone. It is also authorized to determine the
organization of the departments and other executive bodies of the nationality zone. Furthermore,
it has the power to formulate the social, economic and developmental policies and strategies of
the nationality administration. In addition, it is responsible for the preparation and
implementation of the budget of the nationality administration.
Nationality zonal autonomy is not be complete and appropriate because of its existence within a
region, it is already recognized to administer its own territory and make its own decision on
behalf of nationality people, and hence, it needs to be free to make their own internal decisions.
The self rule principle has a strong legal base on both Federal and Regional constitutions for the
purpose of promoting its language, culture and history. Wag-himra nationality administrative
zone is an autonomous administrative unit within Amhara regional state, and is governed by its
local people.

[Type text] Page 41

Wag-himra nationality administration has the nationality council (legislative), the nationality
administrative council (the executive) and the judiciary body. The power to determine, inter alia,
the working language of the nationality, the protection of the right to speak and write in its own
language, to maintain and promote its own history is given to the nationality council, while the
administrative council formulates the specific economic and social development policies and
strategies of the administration. These powers of the nationality administration enable the
nationality to develop its culture, language, history, and to protect its socio-economic rights.

4.3. People representatives and participate to make decision on their affairs in

locality administrations
Each nation/ nationality and people needs to be represented in the federal, regional local
governments in addition to its autonomy in its territory. This representation has two benefits: on
the one hand, it helps the nation/ nationality and people to involve in decisions affecting its
interests at the national, regional or local level and on the other hand, by participating in such
decisions it creats sense of belongingness, (ANRS Constitution, 2001). In this respect, The
participation in federal and regional decisions on the one hand guarantees the rights of the ethnic
groups (diversity) and on the other hand it creates a feeling of solidarity with the other ethnic
groups and thus with the federal and regional level. The participation of representative of the
people on decision making on their affair in locality is beyond the participation in federal and
regional affairs because local decisions directly affect their live.
As it is stated in the literature review section of the study, the most widely posed argument on
decentralized governance system is the issue of participation, which involves both political and
economic participation. The attempt to decentralize governance is, therefore, to reverse the
shortcomings of the top-down approach through initiating, facilitating, and ultimately
institutionalizing participation and empowering local governance processes. In countries where a
decentralized governance system has been adopted, participation is becoming a component of
political decentralization and democratic governance. It became a way of mobilizing support for
policies, promoting national unity and bringing equity through resource allocation (Kibre:
1994:1). This implies that the participation of the People may be conceptualized in many ways,
but it is generally thought to refer to people’s involvement in elections, governance and public
decision-making processes in local development agendas, from planning to implementation and
monitoring of all interventions that affect their lives. This involvement can take many forms,
directly or through organizations that represent them.
Significant data collected for the questions related with the autonomy of woreda, zone in making
decisions on their own affair and participation of the community in decision making? Most of the
respondents claimed that in nationality zone and selected woredas in most decisions people
participate with their representatives or directly attending themselves but issues are proposed by
the governmental bodies the people participates for the sake of formality they do not have the
right to change the proposed decision and cannot set agenda for discuss
Most of interviewed leaders and officers further aver that, there is no doubt that the system is
very necessary and when they justify their answer they replied that if it is properly implemented
the system is very important to solve community problem as there is no government institution

[Type text] Page 42

close to the public like the council at woreda and kebele level. The interviewee also rationalize
that the system (public participation) is good mechanism to teach democracy-building process at
local level, helps the community to have a sense of part of government, introduced government
policies and programs and it is a training ground for future political leadership as well. Zone,
woreda and kebele have their own authority to put decision on their jurisdiction separately but
the participants in decision making process are not similar as the researcher observed in the study
area.
According to the interview councils (zonal, woreda and kebele) have the final power over
issues in the local it is the party and cabinets who practically controls decision making authority
and overturn decisions that seems incompatible with their interest and wishes. Therefore,
concerning to decision issues councils are not freely decide over matters that affects the people
and those decisions made remain in paper if the executives of the zonal, worwda and kebele
hesitates to accept.
The FGD discussant intensify that decision making process and community participation is
either not adequate or completely absent. They argue that people or beneficiaries are not asked to
legitimize or ratify projects identified and formulated by the government. They also said that
people must be consulted from the beginning, and they should actively participate in the
planning and management of the project. As a result, they do not think a certain project as public
ownership, rather they sense as government ownership by excluding the public from the
government. This is due to lack of involving the community from the scratch of planning up to
implementing and monitoring the project. The reality aspect of participation based on local
officials understanding is community’s contribution in terms of free labor, local material and
work done with this free labor. Administrators’ facilitating technique currently put in place is
enforcing penalty. Hence there is no clear and established modality of participation of
communities in the development process of zone administration, woreda and kebele. As a result,
community participation in planning and management is weak except the community is
demanded only implementing certain developmental activity or project other decision and
planning activities left to officers and leaders in their level of government.
Therefore, as most of informants and FGD participants confirmed that, the rationality of
democratic participation, must take into account the full range of the possibilities of
participation. Certainly participation in the election of local leaders is one of the various
components of political participation. However, for a people to determine their destiny, they
need to participate in
¾ Deciding which problems concern them most and in what ways in order to set priorities
on which to expend their energies and resources for their own benefit,
¾ Planning the way their problems will be solved and their needs met,
¾ Working to produce goods and services and to distribute them through engagement in a
full range of economic, commercial and non-profit activities,
¾ Paying for the goods and services which in essence. Underline their participation in
consumption. Elsewhere we have argued that “the biggest problem for developing

[Type text] Page 43

 countries is that because of their very low incomes, people expect to participate in
consumption without participating in paying.

From the right and participation of people the way that avers one is election of their local and
federal regional representative. To support the above basic question it is better to collect
information for the question the election and accountability of nationality zone, woreda and
kebele council members.
The way councilors assume office has great implication on their own performance and on the
overall performance of the council. Democratically elected councilors have a tendency to listens
their constituency and perform to the maximum of their potential. Among the kinds of election in
Ethiopia, Local level election is one and held at five years’ term interval to elect individuals for
nationality zone, woreda & kebele councls.
Information gathered through interview of members of the community indicates that some
people were not interested to participate in local election. Moreover, recently conducted opinion
of focused group discussion discloses that regardless of the effort made to create awareness,
local people do not actively participated in the current election as they have been had bad
memories and some of them believes that they do not seen the essence of election since only one
party compete and they think as elected members are compete for their own benefit than their
people. The election process is also not clear and fair one family member can take cared and
send it for one of them at the Election Day. But the practice as they aver woreda councils are
elected directly by the people after the woreda councils formed the nationality council members
are elected on the meeting of woreda council in every woreda and city administration as
nationality council. This shows that nationality council members did not elected by directly the
people but indirectly by the council of member woredas. Unlike none ethnic zone
administrations, Wag-himra nationality administrative zone have Nationality Council whose
members composes of elected for the purpose of being the member of woreda council, Some
elected among members of woreda council based on their performance and quota system, some
of them may be member of regional council. Then in each level of government (zonal, woreda &
kebele) chief administrator, chief and deputy speaker are elected from council members, but
other executives may or may not council member but must member of the ruling party . So, both
interview and focus group discussions show that all levels of government council members are
elected by the people directly and within their representatives and they are accountable for the
people and their mind but the appointment of cabinet is not free from relationship; it is based on
bias and fraud though it is procedurally true.
Standing from the above data it may claim that the superiority of decentralized government over
a centralized system derives... from superior information and increased participatory decision
making. Local information flows should make the identification of more effective ways of
providing services easier and increase government awareness of local needs and better targeting,
while higher participation rates in local politics should give more voice to the poor in policy
choices.

[Type text] Page 44

 4.4. Major challenges and problems which face nationality administration
zone
Some studies on Ethiopia‘s decentralization experiment suggest that the zone, woreda & kebele
levels of government does not exercise sufficient decision-making power and self-rule to act as
an autonomous local government entity. Formally, these levels of administrations are legally
recognized independent local government authority and has been given powers and functions
guaranteed by the different regional constitutions. In practice, however, it does not exercise
sufficient local autonomy on budgetary, economic and social affairs and are tightly controlled by
regional and federal administrations in each region. Inadequate administrative and personnel
capacity to carry out socio-economic functions and a poor revenue base are the main reasons for
the continued dependence of the zone and wereda on the central and regional governments
(Mehret, 2001).
As focused group discussants aver that, local governments need to have a minimum set of
powers, and capacity to initiate regulatory legislation on critical issues affecting their
jurisdiction. In administrative function such as enforcing regulatory decision and governing the
procurement system, the laws are in place providing discretionary power to the local authorities
but because of capacity constraints and party interference, de facto discretion does not exist.
Local governments also seems to lack the power to control and manage their workforce as all
hiring and firing have to go through zonal or regional offices.
But the above problems are common problems as local government either nationality zone or
woreda administration most of interview respondents and field observations point out major
challenges and problems in wag-himra nationality zone as whole are:-
Inappropriate planning found to be the core problem of the nationality zone. The zone needs to
prepare a realistic and achievable plan for itself within the frame of the regional strategic plan.
Wag has many different aspects from other zones in the region like people mind set-up, soil
fertility, rain & harvesting season, work habit, political culture in general social political
conditions. But most political, social and economical plans came from the region as a whole then
these plans may not compatible with the zone to implement properly.
The other problem was informed by FGD inability to exhaustively utilize the resources and
authority transferred to the zone and woreda. Nationality zone and woreda have their own
authority given by the constitution but they did not utilize it properly like, environmental
conservation increasing their finance with local resource.
As the researcher observed in field observation the other problem is language problem even if it
is stated above self rule principal has a strong legal base on both Federal and Regional
constitutions for the purpose of promoting its language, culture and history Wage-himra
administrative zone is an autonomous administrative unit within Amhara regional state, and is
governed by its local people, the Himra who speak Himtigna (Awgagna). However, though it has
a strong legal base, the reality as am agreed the zone administration is not ruled by people who
can read and speak the local language (Himtigna). This implies that the preserving and
promotion of Wag-himra people’s language and culture is found to be low. Beyond than
[Type text] Page 45
promoting the language and culture most of the resident are speak and hear only himtigna
especially farmer people but government employees who deliver service for these non Amharic
speaker people are cannot speak and hear their language. It is affecting the right to speak and
write and to get service on their language this affects the live of the people.
The other core problem is financial problem as document analysis and interview from finance
and economic zone and woreda heads suggests that for devolved government to function
properly and effectively, the financial autonomy must be maintained, local governments are to
carry out decentralized functions effectively, they must have adequate level of revenues-either
raised locally or transferred from the central governments as well as the authority to make
decisions about expenditures. An assessment of fiscal relations clearly shows that wag
administrative zone is almost disabling without regional block grant. Almost 82.5% of zonal
activity or functions were carried out with these regional transfers. These might raise a question
of to what extent the zone administration continues its operations with this level of fiscal
dependence. With respect to borrowing, zone administration is not only unable to borrow from
external source but also unable to understand its possibility of borrowing among administrators
so that they can place pressure to the higher level of government.
The other problem that aver in sekota woreda FGD discussants is fragile and degraded natural
environment drought. Because of drought most people in the zone live under poverty and
subsistence (hand to mouth life) they migrates every part of the country especially productive
areas and towns. This practice lead to the violet of women and children rights, limit participation
and spill-over effects on the other areas in general shrinks the development of the nationality
zone and its people in all aspects.
As it is observed in field observation Councilors at nationality zone, woreda and kebele level are
assigned to perform challenging and impressive role but their educational achievement is
elementary background (illiterates in kebele level) and with this educational status it is
impossible to perform those tasks that demanded knowledge of public service, governance, and
democracy. In addition due to low educational background the overwhelming majority of
councilors are unable to review the service delivery, work plan, community development project
and budget of these administrations administration. This is the leading problem for the zone
prolongs challenges. Councilors must be sensitive to public problem and needs, feel responsible
for satisfying public needs and problems and realize their accountability to the public. This calls
for frequent interaction between councilors and the electorate.
For the successful realization of democracy there must be integration and coordination between
different organs of government and stakeholders. However, zonal, woreda and kebele councils
and executive are not well integrated, as there exists hostile and non-harmony relationship. The
executive of nationality zone, woredas undermine the role and uncertain of the council and the
sector office as well are not cooperative enough to the council and standing committee. The
separation of role among organs of zone, woreda is unclear as the executive of powerfully
involved in the councils business. The oversight function of the council are seriously
compromised due to lack of cooperation and conflict of interests as most cabinet members and

[Type text] Page 46

sector office head in sample woredas are also members of the council and are thus unable to
objectively oversee the cabinet.

4.5. The role of decentralization in empowering democracy in wag himra

nationality administration
Empowerment is a process of external and internal change. The external change known as
political empowerment finds expression in the ability to act and to implement the practical
knowledge, the information, the skills, the capabilities and the other new resources acquired in
the course of the process (Parsons, 1988). Political empowerment connotes to the equitable
representation of people in decision-making structures, both formal and informal, and their
voice in the formulation of policies affecting their societies. Conversely, the internal change is
the person’s sense or belief in her/his ability to make decisions and to solve her/his own
problems. Some writers call the internal change as psychological empowerment. The
psychological empowerment operates through intrapersonal, interactional, and behavioral
components like perceived control and competence, motivations to control, self-efficacy,
management skills, problem solving and critical awareness (Zimmerman, 1999).
The rationale for adopting decentralization was not only political but also economic. In political
terms, the perceived benefits of decentralization are greater access to decision makers, higher
levels of participation in decision making by various social groups and accountability for
decision makers (Andersson , 2004). In economic term, by transferring decision making to local
levels, the activities of decentralized governing would be greater efficiency and cost
effectiveness. Local community would actively participate in decision making processes
regarding local development and would be able to demand responsiveness and accountability
from its leaders. It was also assumed that decentralization would eliminate control by elites and
the central government over local development actors; in reality, the results are mixed
(Agrawaland Gupta, 2005; Patrick and Scott, 2011; Rondinelli, 2006).
As many documents are linked decentralization and empowering democracy decentralization
brings the decision-making process closer to citizens, encourages local democracy, territorial
cohesion, contributes to fighting poverty, and achieves overall socioeconomic development that
often suffers from over-centralized decision-making (European Commission, 2007).
Decentralization provides opportunities for greater speed and flexibility of decision making by
reducing level of central direction and control (Smith, 1993). Decentralization is an efficient
instrument for reaching benefits to the people with less cost. It ensures minimization of
misidentification of beneficiaries and better provision of services. In order to meet up the needs
and aspirations of local citizen, there is no alternative but decentralizing government agencies
and empowering people with more decision making authority.
The settlement of conflict through local policy and decision-making identifies common
collective needs and the equitable allocation and application of scarce public resources amongst
competing needs. As most of interviewee claimed that decentralization has its own role for
democracy these are:-

[Type text] Page 47

  The application of resources must satisfy the collective needs of individuals. The object
of local government is to serve individuals in communities. In democracy local
government exists for the sake of the individual and the individual does not exist to
support the local government financially or otherwise;
 Direct participation in decision-making by citizens. This could be achieved through town
meetings, village meetings in small communities and through ratepayers associations,
vigilante groups and social/political associations in larger communities. Direct or indirect
public participation and decision making is an very important for democratic local
government;
 Valuing responsibility and accountability arising from the tenets of democracy.
Councilors must be sensitive to public problems and needs, feel responsible for
satisfying those needs and problems and realize their accountability to the public. This
calls for frequent interaction between councilors and the electorate;
 Taking responsibility for management of programmed effectiveness in order to ensure
that needs are satisfied efficiently and effectively; and Social equity emanating from the
doctrine of democracy.
As the researcher observed in the field all woredas and kebeles have their immediate
representatives even there are village representatives called “mengstawi buden, anid leselasa’’
(1:30) these structures are locally representatives. Through these indictors of local democracy
and they are sound of the local people main principles of social equity is the maintenance of high
ethical and moral standards. The effective implementation of democratic values requires
councilors and officials with integrity, which in turn demands fairness, reasonableness and
honesty. Social equity may also demand that local government development should take place in
such a manner that the rule of law will be successful. That is, they are accountable and
transparent, and involve citizens and the institutions of civil society in the decision-making
process. It emphasizes the presence of mechanisms for fair political discussion, transparency,
and accountability, government processes that are open to the public, responsible to the public,
and governed by the rule of law.
According FGD decentralization enables the government to closed for the people then services
are available for them in their locality, as the government is closer their participation,
representation and equally benefit from their constitution is with no discrimination of their ethnic
or distance from the center is absent. On the other hand local structures are directly responsible
and accountable for their work sonly. This implies that decentralization has role for democracy.
If there democratic decentralization it is true that increasing local government accountability,
transparency, and responsiveness (changes in the relationship of governments to citizens).
Enhancing, the role of civil society (individual and collective participation) Improving the
quality of life (citizen empowerment, service quality, and equitable access).
As document analysis and interview results show that decentralization is a vehicle for promoting
democracy in local community. In actuality, one would not see any value of decentralization if it
was not associated with the promotion of participation of local people or their representatives in
the process of decision-making and implementation. Through the process of decentralization,

[Type text] Page 48

create structures that inspire as well as energize local people, and facilitate their participation in
the decision-making and implementation process. In the majority of cases, structures such as
local councils, executive committees, local government civil service etc, are established in the
certainty that as institutions controlled by the representatives of the people, and as institutions
that are close to the people, they would be sufficient as instruments of participation. Such
structures represent what is the transfer of power, authority, functions, responsibilities, and
resources from central government to local government.

4.6. Constraints to exercise autonomies, rights and duties of nationality zonal

administration prescribed at Amhara National Regional State Constitution
The benchmark for measuring the adequacy of the empowerment of local government is related
to its functional competences. It was indicated that local government should be provided,
through constitutional means, with certain clearly stipulated functional competences (De Visser,
2005).The adequacy empowerment of local government is considerable. Accordingly, local
government should be democratically constituted and it should have an exclusive area of
governance. It may be also autonomous in a sense that it may not be controlled by the central
government. The role of the central government may be limited to supervising it. In addition it
may be constituted in such a way that it allows locally concentrated ethnic minorities to govern
themselves (De Visser, 2005).
Both the Federal and Regional governments have established a strong legal framework in their
constitution. For example, article 39 (2) of the Federal constitution declares that Every Nation,
Nationality and people in Ethiopia has the right to speak, write and develop its own language; to
express, develop and promote its culture; and to preserve its history. Article 39 (3) which says
that every Nation Nationality and People in Ethiopia has the right to form self- government
which includes the right to establish institutions of government in the territory that they inhabit.
In the revised Regional constitution article 45 grants the state, the power to establish any
administrative hierarchy when it finds necessary. Accordingly, ANRS’ constitution article 73(1),
officially declares the establishment of nationality administrative zones as one of the structures
and administrative hierarchies only in those geographical areas of the national regional state
inhabited by the Awi, Himra, and Oromo people with their specific powers and duties.
Even the nationality zone has autonomy, duty and rights stated in the constitution of ASRS but
answer the question that what problems are exist in the zone administration to exercise its
rights and duties as Specified by Amhara National Regional State Constitution? And how
can solve such Problems?
The most of interviewee aver that zonal autonomy cannot be absolute due to its existence within
a region, it is already recognized to administer its own territory and make its own decision on
behalf of nationality people, and hence, it needs to be free to make their own internal decisions.
This self rule principal has a strong legal base on both Federal and Regional constitutions for the
purpose of promoting its language, culture and history .Wag-himra nationality administrative
zone is an autonomous administrative unit within Amhara regional state, and is governed by its
local people, the Agaw who speak “Himtigna”. However, though it has a strong legal base, the

[Type text] Page 49

reality as agreed by most interview respondents, the zone administration is not ruled by people
who can read and speak the local language, and this negatively contributes low rate of promotion
of the local language which is constitutionally granted. They further argue that protection and
promotion of Wag people’s language and culture starts with beginning of conducting Wag-himra
nationality council’s meeting in nationality zone medium, which never happened in running
decentralized governance in wag-himra nationality administrative zone. This implies that the
preserving and promotion of Wag people’s language and culture is found to be low. Although
constitutionally these rights are protected, the realization of constitutionally affirmed rights is
found to be low due to less commitment of administrators.
According to the result of the focus group discussion, some of the administrators have negative
attitude towards promoting language and culture of wag people, which leads to the demotion of
constitutionally protected rights. There is also a disagreement between Agaws and non Agaws
within the zonal administration for the appointment of cabinet. The relation and role of both the
zonal and regional governments is not clear, and the status of self- administration is also
questioned by respondents, particularly with respect to appointment of judges to first instance
court. Both woreda and zone respondents argue that with no appointment of judges through its
people or nationality council, it is difficult to talk self-administration. The Nationality
Administrative Zone is not in opposition to appoint judges in its jurisdiction except providing
recommendation to the regional government.
For more understand this issue answering the question How do you explain regional and federal
interference in zonal affaires, zone in woreda affairs and woreda in kebele affairs? As the
researcher stated above all local governments have their own autonomy, rights and duties
stipulated in the constitution of ARS and other guidelines but the interference of higher level
government bodies is inevitable in the affair of local governments. Then most of interview
results claimed the presence of regional interference by considering zonal government as
subordinate level of government, and it affects the realization of the self- governing entities’
objective it is true in the rest government organs. This implies that regional government
interference is core problem to nationality administration to exercise its rights and duties stated
in the constitution of ARS.

CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
5.1INTRODUCTION
This chapter presents summary main findings of the research as discussed and analyzed in the
preceding chapters. The findings are drawn on the basis of interview with nationality zone and
selected woreda administrators, officers and focus group discussion, field observation and
[Type text] Page 50
document analysis which to assess the role of decentralization in empowering nationality zone
with extent zonal self -administration autonomy is exercised, people participation and decision
making, major challenges and problems of nationality zone, the role of decentralization
empowering democracy and constraints to exercise rights and duties of nationality zone, in
Wag-himra nationality administrative zone. In addition, this chapter provides conclusions and
recommendations that the researcher suggested to role of decentralization in Wag himra
nationality administration.

5.2Summary of Major Findings

The summary of this study is from the findings which obtained from both primary and secondary
source in order to assess the role of decentralization in empowering nationality zone in case of
Wag-himra nationality zone. The main objective of this study is to assess the role of
decentralization in empowering nationality administration zone in Wag-himra nationality
administrative zone in Amhara regional State.

5.2.1. Extent zonal self-administration autonomy exercised by nationality zone

Wag-himra nationality administrative zone has the power to set off and implement regulation
specific to its locality. The power of making regulation and directives for the zone administration
to which Wag nationality administrative zone is lacking, it seems that the nationality council
government is higher government to the zone wide. An interview held with most officers also
shows that this has already happened because the nationality council is directly responsible to
regional council and the people of the nationality zone. This implies that while organizing zonal
governments within regions, the regional government may consider the distinct nature of
nationality zone administration.
The nationality council has no power to enact laws, regulations and policies except issuing
specific guide lines used to implement regional and national laws and regulations. For exercising
constitutionally granted powers and duties effectively, zonal administration has faced sensitive
financial problem. Therefore with no adequate fiscal decentralization, any decentralization
program cannot achieve the stated objective, and those functions and duties cannot be
implemented successfully.
The nationality zone has certain powers and functions. It has the power to determine the working
language of the organs of the nationality administration. It has the responsibility to protect the
rights of the members of the ethnic group concerned to speak and write in their language. In
addition it has the duty to protect the rights of the members of the ethnic minority to preserve,
develop and promote their language and history. Furthermore, the nationality council has the
power to issue laws for the nationality zones. Yet, the laws which are issued by the nationality
council have to be in conformity with the laws enacted by the state and federal government. The
nationality council has the power to approve the budget of the nationality zones.
Standing from the above findings may conclude that nationality zonal autonomy cannot be
complete & appropriate because of its existence within a region, it is already recognized to
administer its own territory and make its own decision on behalf of nationality people, and

[Type text] Page 51

hence, it needs to be free to make their own internal decisions. The self rule principal has a
strong legal base on both Federal and Regional constitutions for the purpose of promoting its
language, culture and history. Wag-himra nationality administrative zone is an autonomous
administrative unit within Amhara regional state, and is governed by its local people.

5.2.2. People representatives and participate to make decision on their affairs

In the interview held, the interviewee indicate that though it is councils (zonal, woreda & kebele)
who has the final power over issues in the local it is the party and cabinets who practically
controls decision making authority and upset decisions that seems incompatible with their
interest and wishes. Therefore, concerning to decision issues councils are not freely decided over
matters that affects the people and those decisions made are also remain in paper as the
executives of the zonal, worwda & kebele not believe to accept it implement it to practice.
In the study area decision making process and community participation is either not adequate or
completely absent. People or beneficiaries are not asked to legitimize or ratify projects identified
and formulated by the government. They must be consulted from the beginning, and they should
actively participate in the planning and management of the project. As result, they do not think a
certain project as public ownership, rather they sense as government ownership by segregating
public from the government. This is due to lack of involving the community from the scratch of
planning up to implementing and monitoring the project.
Wag-himra nationality administrative zone have nationality Council whose members composes
of elected for the purpose of being the member of woreda council, Some elected among members
of woreda council based on their performance and quota system, some of them may be member
of regional council. Then in each level of government (zonal, woreda & kebele) chief
administrator, chief and deputy speaker are elected from council members, but other executive
member may or may not council member but must member of the ruling party . So, both
interview and focus group discussions show that all levels of government council members are
elected by the people directly and within their representatives and they are accountable for the
people whom elected them, for the regional council and their mind but the appointment of
cabinet is not free from relationship; it is based on bias and fraud though it is procedurally true.

5.2.3. Major challenges and problems which face nationality administration

zone
As the data analyses show that the major challenges and problems of the Wag-himra nationality
zone including woredas and kebeles are:-
Inappropriate planning found to be the core problem of the nationality zone. The zone needs to
prepare a realistic and achievable plan for itself within the frame of the regional strategic plan.
Wag has many different aspects from other zones in the region like people mind set-up, soil
fertility, rain & harvesting season, work habit, political culture in general social political

[Type text] Page 52

conditions. But most political, social and economical plans came from the region as a whole then
these plans may not compatible with the zone to implement properly.
Inability to exhaustively utilize the resources and authority transferred to the zone and woreda.
Nationality zone and woreda have their own authority given by the constitution but they did not
utilize it properly like, environmental conservation increasing their finance (revenue) with local
resource.
The nationality zone administration is not ruled by people who can read and speak the local
language (Himtigna). This implies that the preserving and promotion of Wag-himra people’s
language and culture is found to be low. Beyond than promoting the language and culture most
of the resident are speak and hear only himtigna especially rural people, but government
employees who deliver service for these non Amharic speaker people are cannot speak and hear
their language. It is affecting the right to speak and write and to get service on their language this
affects the live of the people.
Wag administrative zone is almost disabling without regional block grant. Almost 85% of zonal
activity or functions were carried out with these regional transfers and 89% of woredas activity
or functions were carried out with these regional transfers. These might raise a question of to
what extent the zone and woreda administration continues its operations with this level of fiscal
dependence
Drought is the major problem. Because of drought most people in the zone live under poverty
and subsistence (hand to mouth life) they migrates every part of the country especially
productive areas and towns. This practice lead to the violet of women and children rights, limit
participation and spill-over effects on the other areas in general shrinks the development of the
nationality zone and its people in all aspects.
Councilor’s educational achievement is elementary background (even illiterates in kebele level)
and with this educational status it is impossible to perform those tasks that demanded knowledge
of public service, governance, and democracy. In addition due to low educational background the
overwhelming majority of councilors are unable to review the service delivery, work plan,
community development project and budget of these administrations administration. This is the
leading problem for the zone prolongs challenges.
In the study area zonal, woreda and kebele councils and executive are not well integrated, as
there exists argumentative and non-harmony relationship. The executive of nationality zone,
woredas undermine the role and uncertain of the council and the sector office as well are not
cooperative enough to the council and standing committee.

5.2.4. The role of decentralization in empowering democracy

In the study area decentralization enables the government to closed for the people then services
are available for them in their locality, as the government is closer their participation,
representation and equally benefit from their constitution is with no discrimination of their ethnic
or distance from the center is absent. On the other hand local structures are directly responsible
and accountable for their work without delay. This implies that decentralization has role for

[Type text] Page 53

democracy. If there democratic decentralization it is true that increasing local government
accountability, transparency, and responsiveness (changes in the relationship of governments to
citizens). Enhancing, the role of civil society (individual and collective participation) Improving
the quality of life (citizen empowerment, service quality, and equitable access).
As document analysis and interview results show that decentralization is a vehicle for promoting
democracy in local community. In actuality, one would not see any value of decentralization if it
was not associated with the promotion of participation of local people or their representatives in
the process of decision-making and implementation. Through the process of decentralization,
create structures that inspire as well as energize local people, and facilitate their participation in
the decision-making and implementation process.
In the majority of cases, structures such as local councils, executive committees, local
government civil service etc, are established in the certainty that as institutions controlled by the
representatives of the people, and as institutions that are close to the people, they would be
sufficient as instruments of participation.

5.2.5. . Constraints to exercise autonomies, rights and duties of nationality

zonal administration
The Wag-himra nationality zone administration is not ruled by people who can read and speak
the local language, and this negatively contributes low rate of promotion of the local language
which is constitutionally granted. The protection and promotion of Wag people’s language and
culture starts with beginning of conducting Wag-himra nationality council’s meeting in
nationality zone medium, which never happened in running decentralized governance in wag-
himra nationality administrative zone. This implies that the preserving and promotion of Wag
people’s language and culture is found to be low. Although constitutionally these rights are
protected, the realization of constitutionally affirmed rights is found to be low due to less
commitment of administrators.
The interference of higher level government bodies is inevitable in the affair of local
governments. Then most of interview results claimed the presence of regional interference by
considering zonal government as subordinate level of government, and it affects the realization
of the self- governing entities’ objective it is true in the rest government organs. This implies that
regional government interference is core problem to nationality administration to exercise its
rights and duties stated in the constitution of ARS.
The other matter constraint for implement the rights and duties of nationality zone is the state
constitution. The states preserve the power to transfer certain duties to be discharged by
nationality zone and woreda administrations. Nonetheless, it is unclearly stipulated in the
constitution how the costs of discharging such duties are to be covered. This exposes zone and
woredas to unfunded or underfunded mandate. This problem is not only theoretical. In fact, the
issue of unfunded mandates has been one of the facing challenges that nationality zone
administration and woredas administrations.

5.3. Conclusion

[Type text] Page 54

 Decentralization as Ethiopia is the practice transfer of political, fiscal and administrative power
from the federal government to state, zone and Woreda governments in the form of devolution or
political reform to realize the objective of democratic governance, to give response to ethnic
pressure, to ensure the needs of democratic self governance, to give self-rule to ethnic groups
regarding their cultural and linguistic autonomy of nations and nationalities that may allow them
to administer their own affairs and empower nationality administration.
Regarding extent of self administration nationality zonal autonomy cannot be complete &
appropriate because of its existence within a region, it is already recognized to administer its own
territory and make its own decision on behalf of nationality people, and hence, it needs to be free
to make their own internal decisions. The self rule principal has a strong legal base on both
Federal and Regional constitutions for the purpose of promoting its language, culture and
history. Wag-himra nationality administrative zone is an autonomous administrative unit within
Amhara regional state, and is governed by its local people.
Concerning people representation and decision making the reality aspect of participation
based on local officials understanding is community’s contribution in terms of free labor, local
material and work done with this free labor. Administrators’ facilitating technique currently put
in place is enforcing penalty. hence there is no clear and established modality of participation of
communities in the development process of zone administration, woreda & kebele as a result,
community participation in planning and management is weak except the community is
demanded only implementing certain developmental activity or project other decision and
planning activities left to officers and leaders in their level of government.
all levels of government council members are elected by the people directly and within their
representatives and they are accountable for the people whom elected them, and for the regional
council and their mind but the appointment of cabinet is not free from relationship; it is based on
bias and fraud though it is procedurally true.
Major challenges and problems are Wag-himra nationality zone administration is not ruled by
people who can read and speak the local language (Himtigna). This implies that the preserving
and promotion of Wag-himra people’s language and culture is found to be low. Beyond that of
promoting the language and culture most of the resident are speak and hear only himtigna
especially rural people, but government employees who deliver service for these non Amharic
speaker people cannot speak and hear their language. It is affecting the right to speak and write
and to get service on their own language this affects the live of the people. This implies that the
preserving and promotion of Wag people’s language and culture is found to be low. Although
constitutionally these rights are protected, the realization of constitutionally affirmed rights is
found to be low due to less commitment of administrators.
Fiscal relations clearly show that wag administrative zone is almost disabling without regional
block grant. Almost 85% of zonal activity or functions were carried out with these regional
transfers. These might raise a question of to what extent the zone administration continues its
operations with this level of fiscal dependence. With respect to borrowing, zone administration is
not only unable to borrow from external source but also unable to understand its possibility of

[Type text] Page 55

borrowing among administrators so that they can place pressure to the higher level of
government these are the most challenges even there are other challenges and problems in the
discussion part.
Regarding the role of decentralization in empowering democracy findings show that
decentralization enables the government to closed for the people then services are available for
them in their locality, as the government is closer their participation, representation and equally
benefit from their constitution is with no discrimination of their ethnic or distance from the
center is absent. On the other hand local structures are directly responsible and accountable for
their work sonly. This implies that decentralization has role for democracy. If there democratic
decentralization it is true that increasing local government accountability, transparency, and
responsiveness (changes in the relationship of governments to citizens). Enhancing, the role of
civil society (individual and collective participation) Improving the quality of life (citizen
empowerment, service quality, and equitable access).
Lastly the constraints of nationality zone to implement rights and duties given by the ARS
constitution: - The interference of higher level government bodies is expected in the affair of
local governments. Then regional government interference by considering zonal government as
subordinate level of government, is affects the realization of the self- governing entities’
objective it is true in the rest government organs. This implies that regional government
interference is core problem to nationality administration to exercise its rights and duties stated
in the constitution of ARS.

5.4. Recommendations
Based on the major findings, the researcher suggested the following recommendation in order to
be evidence for the role of decentralization in empowering nationality zone administration in the
study area.
5.4.1. For policy Makers
For policy makers it is possible to suggest revise clearly and systematically defined division of
power between the state governments, nationality zone and woredas to effect, the functional
competences of the nationality zone and woredas in the areas of social services and economic
development clearly listed in the constitutions of the regional governments. There may be clear
authority and responsible relationship between Wag-himra nationality administrative zone and
regional administration and balancing of authority between nationality council and regional
Council.
5.4.2. For Councilors
Zonal and woreda councils may try to collect (receive) inputs from the public before going to plan and
implement programs designed by zonal government. People or beneficiaries should be asked to
legitimize or ratify projects identified and formulated by the government and be consulted from the
beginning, so that they actively participate in the planning and management of the project. The councils
may be have stand for the development of their language (Himtigna) by arguing the executives to give
emphasis local service delivery in local people.

[Type text] Page 56

5.4.3. For Administrators
Zonal and woreda administrators may to have sufficient resources and authorities need to be
devolving in order to make them able to discharge their assigned duties. There should be enough
financial and material resources allocated and they may also grant with appropriate authority
with their responsibility. They may also shall to identify and collect efficiently local resources
(revenue) to minimize their financial dependency only regional block grants.
5.4.4. For Employees
As it is clear that Wag-himra nationality zone administration is not ruled by people who can
read and speak the local language (Himtigna) this implies that the preserving and promotion of
Wag-himra people’s language and culture is found to be low. Then it is possible to suggest that
beyond the employees of zone and woreda, kevele civil servant have role to promote and
preserve their own language (himtigna). Then they may built commitment to deliver services for
local people with their language even kevele meetings may lead by their own language
(himtigna).
5.4.5. For the People (Wag-himra)
The people of Wag-himra are mostly live in poverty and under development they always
migrated to other areas because of drought. This lead to minimize their participation in
their local affair and for sustainable and prolog problem in social political and economic
problems then it may better to live on their area and mitigate the problems together with
the government and other stakeholders to bring sustainable development and empower
their nationality zone.
5.4.6. For Other researchers
This study may give clues for researchers who will interest in understanding further detail
investigation on the role of decentralization in empowering nationality zone. Specifically, the
researcher suggests the area be studied: The constitution and real implementation in local
government, factors that affect public participation, the existing realistic distinctions between
nationality administrative Zone and other non ethnic zone administration.

REFERENCE
Adams, J., Khan, H., Raeside, R., & White, D. (2007).Research Methods for Graduate Business
and Social Science Students.Response Books, Business books from SAGE
ANRS constitution, (2001).Amhara regional state constitution; Bahir Dar

Assefa F. (2003).Federalism and the accommodation of diversity in Ethiopia: a comparative

Study two edition Nijmegen: Wolf Legal Publishers.

[Type text] Page 57

Assefa F. (2007). Federalism and the accommodation of diversity in Ethiopia: (Revised, eds.);
Addis Ababa: Artistic Printing Enterprise

Assefa, F. (2012). Ethiopia's Experiment in Accommodating Diversity: 20 Years‘ Balance Sheet,

Regional & Federal Studies.

Bahl R. and Linn J. (1992).Urban Public Finance in Developing Countries. Oxford: Oxford
University Press.

Beetham L. (1996). Theorizing democracy and local governance in King D & Stoker G (eds)
Rethinking local democracy Basingstoke: MACMILLAN.

Boko, S. (2002).Decentralization and Reform in Africa. (Boston: Kumar Academic Press.

Brosio.G.
(2004).DecentralizationinAfrica.http://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/seminar/2000/fiscal/br
osio.pdf.
Creswell, W. 2009.Research Design: Qualitative, quantitative and mixed Methods
Approaches.Losangeles: Sage Publications, Inc.

CSA (2007).Reports of Population and Housing Census, Addis Ababa.

De Visser J. (2005). Developmental local government: A case study of South Africa, Antwerpen-
Oxford.

EPRDF constitution (2007).The constitution of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia;

Addis Ababa.

Eshetu C.(1993). Issues of Vertical Imbalance fiscal decentralization in Ethiopia, Addis Ababa.

Hailu B. ((2001).The current decentralization process in Ethiopia. MA thesis Century university

USA.

Hika N., Feleke S. and Naol S. (2008). The Role of Decentralization in Promoting Good
Governance in Ethiopia: The Case of Wolaita and Dawuro Zones. Public Policy and
Administration Research.
J. Simegn G. and Taha N.(2009). An upland farming system under transformation: Proximate
cause of land use change in Wage north Ethiopia high lands. Research.

[Type text] Page 58

Katsiaouni O. (2003). Decentralization and poverty reduction: does it work? Fifth Global Forum
on Reinventing Government, Mexico City.

Kerlinger P. (1996). Research design and methodology. No,NREL/SR-.

Kothari, C. R. (2004). Research methodology: Methods and techniques. New Age International
Kothari,

Litvack J. (1998) Rethinking Decentralization in Developing Countries: Poverty Reduction &

Economic management Network, Washington: World
Bank,1).http://www.worldbank.org/pubsector/learningprogram/decentralization.html.
Accessed on, 1/2/21.

Litvack, et al., (1998). Rethinking Decentralization in Developing Countries: Poverty Reduction

&EconomicmanagementNetwork,
(Washington:WorldBank,1998).http://www.worldbank.org/pubsector/learningprogram/dec
entralization.html. Accessed on, 5/3/21
Liu, L. and Waible (2006).Sub National Borrowing, Insolvency, and Regulation, (ed.) by Anwar
Shah, Macro-Federalism, and Local Finance, Washington.
Mahakanjana C. (2006) Decentralization local government and socio political conflict in
Southern Thailand East- West Center Washington Working Paper

Mehret A. (2001) Decentralization in Ethiopia: Two Case Studies on Devolution of Power and
Responsibilities to Local Authorities in Bahru Zewde and Siegfried Pausewang(edit)
(2002) Ethiopia the Challenge of Democracy from Below, Nordiska Afrikainstitutet,
Uppsala and Forum for Social Studies, Addis Ababa

Melaku M. (2004).Community Attitude towards the Implementation of Awgni Language as

Medium of Instruction in Primary school Unpublished MA Thesis, Addis Ababa University,
Addis Ababa

Misquitta, F. M. (2016). Women in Leadership : Comparing Issues in a Developed Versus a

Developing Economy Women in Leadership : Comparing Issues in a Developed Versus a
Developing Economy.

[Type text] Page 59

Ndegwa S. (2002). Decentralization in Africa: A Stocktaking Survey. World Bank Africa
Region, Working Paper Series No. 40.

Negalign M. (2010).An assessment ofthe status ofdecentralized governance andself-

administrationinAmhara regional stat: MA thesis. Addis Ababa University.

Negussie, Solomon (2008). Fiscal Federalism in the Ethiopian Ethnic Based Federal System.
The Netherlands: Wolf Legal Publishers.

Oates, W. (1999). An Essay on Fiscal Federalism, Journal of Economic Literature. Vol. 37 (3),
PP. 1120-49.

Oxhorn, p., et al (2004).Decentralization, Democratic Governance and Civil Society in

Comparative Perspective.WoodrowWilsonCenter Press; Washington.

Pieter v. Dijk (2011).Decentralization and service delivery in Ethiopia.Erasmus University

Rotterdam.

Prud’Homme, R. (1995). On the Dangers Decentralization, World Bank Research Observer, Vol.
10 No. 2.

Sarah V. (2003). Ethnicity and Power in Ethiopia: The University of Edinburgh. Shag .A (2007).
Public Sector Governance and Accountability Series: Budgeting and Budgetary
Institutions. Washington DC:World Bank Publications.

Shah.W.(2006). Local government in developing countries.Washington D.C Internet.www.world

bank.org.

Smith, A.D. (1993). National identity (New York: Penguin press).

Solomon N. (2006). Fiscal Federalism in the Ethiopian Ethnic-Based Federal System,

(Nijmegen: Wolf Legal Publisher.

Steytler N. (2005). “Introduction” in Steytler N (ed) The Place and role of local government in a
federal system Johannesburg.

Stoker G. (1996). Introduction normative theories of local government and democracy.

Rethinking Local Democracy Basingstoke: MACMILLAN.

[Type text] Page 60

Tegene G. and Kassahun B. (2007). A literature review of decentralization in Ethiopia The role
of decentralized governance in building local institutions, diffusing ethnic conflicts, and
alleviating poverty in Ethiop.Vo.25, no.1:35-63.

Teune H.(1995). Local government and democratic political development.Annals of the

American Academy of Political and Social Science.
Tigabu M. (2018). The accommodation of ethnic diversity in the federal Ethiopia: The case of
Hadya nationality zone AM thesis Addis Ababa University.
V.O.Ajayi (2017). Primery source of data and secondary source of data. Nyssen

Wallace (2012). Internet.www world bank. organization.

Watts L. (1998) ‗Federalism, federal political systems and federations‘: 1 Annual Review of
Political Science.

Yonatan, T. and Beken, C. V. (2013): Ethnic Federalism and Internal minorities: The Legal
Protection of Internal Minorities in Ethiopia; African Journal of International and
Comparative Law, pp. 42.

Young J. (1998). Regionalism and democracy in Ethiopia.Third World Quarterly.

Zemelak A. (2007). Local government in Ethiopia: Adequately Empowered? A research paper

submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the LL.M Degree in the Faculty of
Law, University of the Western Cape.

Appendix

Africa Leadership Excellence Academy Facility of Leadership and

Governance Department of Federal Study
Interview Guide for Selected woreda and Zone Administrative leaders

[Type text] Page 61

 Dear Respondent
With these Interviews, the student (researcher) intends to assess the role of Decentralization
in empowering nationality administrative zone in Ethiopia: The case of Wag-himra
nationality administrative zone. Since this research has been done for academic purpose, I
assure you that all verbal and written responses are confidential.

For genuinely doing so by devoting your time and exerting effort, the researcher really remains
very grateful to you. Meanwhile, he wishes to bring in to your attention that the outcome of this
study will highly depend on your responsive, Sincere and timely response. It needs your
tolerance to complete all the questions.

1. Personal data

1.1. Sex A) Male B) Female

1.2. Age 1.3. Position --------
1.4. Educational Background (level) ______________________
1.5. Year of work experience _____________________________

Interview Questions related to Decentralization and Empowering nationality

zone for zonal and selected woreda leaders and officials.

1. How do you explain the extent of decentralization and self-administration in practice in

your zone and woreda Such as: - A. procurement
B. political,
C. Financial
D. Executive
2. What functions and powers are devolved to zonal and woreda administrations?
3. How do you explain regional and federal interference in zonal affaires, zone in woreda
affairs and woreda in kebele affairs?
4. How do you explain zonal, Woreda autonomy in making decisions on their own issues?
And who participate in zonal, woreda and kebele decision making?
Such as: - A. Language is
B. Budgeting
C. Developmental issues

[Type text] Page 62

 5. What type of polices and other related decisions are made by zonal council?
…
6. How nationality zone, woreda & kebele council members are elected and to whom they
are accountable?
7. What problems are existing zonal administration to exercise its right and duties as
Specified by Amhara National Regional Constitution? And how can solve such
Problems?
8. What are the main sources of finance for nationality zone administration to deliver public
service? How much an autonyms to allocate & execute their budget source?
9. Do you have the power and resource to carry out your responsibility?

[Type text] Page 63

 Africa Leadership Excellence Academy Facility of Leadership and
Governance Department of Federal Study

Guide for Group Discussion.

1. Discuss the Extent of self -administration autonomy is exercised at nationality

administrative zone and woreda level? Is there any interference?
2. The accountability of council members, executives and administrators.
3. Consultation of the zonal, woreda, and Keble government to community when
preparing budget, plan and any service delivery mechanism.
4. Discuss Community Participation, in zonal, woreda and kebele decision making
process.
5. Implementation status of language policy.
6. What problems are existing zonal administration to exercise its right and duties as
Specified by Amhara National Regional Constitution?
 And how can solve such Problems?
 Does the community participate on them?

Africa Leadership Excellence Academy Facility of Leadership and

Governance Department of Federal Study

[Type text] Page 64

 Field Observation Checklists

The researcher attends in Zonal and woreda council meetings and follows the practice and take
notes about points which are stated below in the table and the research have not any function
simply observe and tick and jot his own notes passively. On the other hand the researcher visit
main head office judicial practice and examine how service is delivered and their empowerment
to access all service in their locality administration.
No Issues of observation Yes No Remark
.
1 Is the council meeting open to the public? How are members of the
public informed about council meeting?
2 Is council autonomous in practice from the executive, e.g. through
control over its own budget, agenda, timetable, personnel, etc.?
3 Has there been a survey conducted by the councils to determine
public perception of the service quality in the woreda?
4 Do the chief administrators made decisions that are responsive to
the needs of the people? In each level.
5 Have ever raised community problem in the council‘s meeting?
6 Does judicial case get end decisions in woreda and zone level?
7 Does a financial report open to the people in each level?
8 Are there constraints or obstacles exist in zonal administration to
exercise the rights and duties as specified by Amhara regional state
constitution?

በአፍሪካ አመራር ልቀት ዓካዳሚ የፌደራሊዝም ጥናት ትምህርት ክፍል

[Type text] Page 65

ከዞንና በተመረጡ ወረዳዎች የመንግሥት ባለሥልጣናትና ባለሙያዎቸ የማህበረሰብ ክፍሎች ቃለ -መጠይቅና
የትኩረት ቡድን የውይይት ዘዴዎችን በመጠቀም መረጃ ለመሰብሰብ የተዘጋጁ የመረጃ መሰብሰቢያ
መጠይቆች
ይህ ቅጽ በዋግ-ህምራ ብሄረሰብ አስተዳደር ያልተማከለ መንግስታዊ አስተዳደር ብሄረሰብ አስተዳደሮችን
በማጠናከር-ያለውን-ሚና-በሚመለከትበ-ቃለ-መጠይቅከመንግስትየሥራኃላፊዎች
ባለሙያዎችናከገጠሩኅብረተሰብመረጃለመሰብሰብየተዘጋጀመጠይቅ.ነው፡፡ ጥናቱዓላማያደረገውበመንግስታዊ
አስተዳደር ሥርዓት ውስጥ ለዋገ-ህምራ ብሄረሰብ አስተዳደር ያልተማከለ አስተዳደር ያለውን ሚና እና
አተገባበርያለበት ደረጃ ምን እንደሚመስልለመፈተሽ ነው፡፡
ይህን ዓላማ ለማሳካት መረጃ የሚሰጡ አካላት ታማኝና ትክክለኛ መረጃ በመስጠት ትብብር ሊያደርጉ
ይገባል፡፡ የመረጃ ምንጮች የሚሰጡት መረጃ አስተማማኝ እንዲሚሆኑ የሚጠበቅ ከመሆኑም በተጨማሪ
የተሰበሰቡ መረጃዎች ከተጠቀሰው ዓላማ ውጪ የማይውልመሆኑን አበክረን እናረጋግጥሎታለን፡፡
መጠይቆቻችንን በአግባቡና በትክክል ሞልተን እንዲናጠናቅቅ ከልብ የመነጨ ትዕግስት ይጠይቃል፡፡
አጠቃላይመረጃዎች
የጥናቱ ተሳታፊዎችን የሚመለከቱ መረጃዎች ቀጥሎ ባለው መጠይቅ መሠረት የሚሞላይሆናል፡፡ በመሆኑም
ትክክለኛውን መረጃ በተቀመጠው ቦታ ውስጥ የ “x”ምልክትበማድርግ የሚሞላይሆናል፡፡
1. የግል ሁኔታ
 ጾታ→ወንድ ሴት
 የትምህርት ሁኔታ/ደረጃ → …………………………………
 ዕድሜ→ ከ 15-35 (ወጣት) ከ 35-60 (መካከለኛ) 60 ና በላይ (አዛውንት)
 የሥራኃላፊነት→…………………………….
 የሚሠሩበትመዋቅር/የሚኖሩበትቦታ→ ……………………...

የሚከተሉትን መጠይቆች በጥንቃቄ ከተረዱ በኋላ ተገቢውን ዝርዝር ምላሽ ይስጡ፡፡ቃለ-መጠይቅ ያልተማከለ መንግስታዊ
አስተዳደር ብሄረሰብ አስተዳደሮችን በማጠናከር ስላለው ሚና በተመለከተ፡-
1. ያልተማከለ መንግስታዊ አስተዳደር በእርሰዎ ዞን ወረዳዎች እና ቀበሌዎች እንዴት ዕየተተገበረ ነው ?
ስፋትና ጥልቀቱን ቢያሳዩን?
ምሣሌ ሀ. በሰው ሓይል ስምሪት
ለ. በማቀድ
ሐ. በበጅት
2. ለብሄረሰብ አስተዳደሩ የተሰጡ ዋናኛ ሥልጣንና ተግባራት ምንምን ናቸው?
3. የፌደራል የክልልና በብሄረሰቡ አስተዳደሩ ጉዳይ ያለው ጣልቃገብነት ምን ይመስላል? ብሄረሰብ
አስተዳደሩ በወረዳዎች ወረዳዎች በቀበሌዎቸስ ጣልቃገበነት ይኖር ይሆናል?

[Type text] Page 66

 4. የብሄረሰብ አስተዳደር በራሳቸው ጉዳይ ለመወሰን ስልጣናቸው እስከምን ነው ብለው ያስባሉ ?
በብሄረሰብ ዞኑ በወረዳና ቀበሌ ዉሳኔዎች ተሳታፊና ተዋናኞቹ እነማን ናቸው?
5. የብሄረሰብ አስተዳደሩ ምክርቤት አባላት እንዴት ይመረጣሉ? ተጠሪነታችውስ ለማን ነው?
6. በክልሉ ህገ-መንግስት የተቀመጠውን መብትና ግዴታ ለመወጣት ለብሄረሰብ አስተዳደሩ እንቅፋቶችና
ችግሮች ምንድን ናቸው? እንዴትስ ሊፈቱ ይችላሉ?
7. የመንግስት አገልግሎትን ተደራሽ ለማድረግ የብሄረሰብ አስተዳደሩ ዋነኛ የፋይናንስ ምንጭ ምንድን
(ከየት) ነው? ምን ያክልስ ስልጣኑ አላቸው በጀታቸውን ለመመደብ ለመጠቀም?
8. ምን ዓይነት ፖሊሲውችና ዉሳኔዎች ናቸው በዞን ደረጃ የሚዘጋጁና የሚፀድኩት?
9. ኃላፊነቶትን ለመወጣት በቂ ሃብትና ስልጣኑ አለኝ ብለው የስባሉ?

ዉድ ጊዜዎን ሰዉተው ለሰጡን ቃለ-መጠየቅ ከልብ አመሰግናለሁ!!

በአፍሪካ አመራር ልህቀት ዓካዳሚ የፌደራሊዝም ጥናት ትምህርት ክፍል

ከዞንና በተመረጡ ወረዳዎች የማህበረሰብ ክፍሎች የትኩረት ቡድን የውይይት ዘዴዎችን በመጠቀም መረጃ
ለመሰብሰብ የተዘጋጁ የመረጃ መሰብሰቢያ መጠይቆች፡፡

የሚከተሉትን መጠየቆች በሚገባ ከተረዳችሁ ቡኃላ በጋራ የተሰማማችሁብትነ ሃሳበ አስፍሩ፡፡

1. ራስን በራስ የማስተዳደር (ያልተማከለ አስተዳደር) በብሄረሰብ ዞን ደረጃ በወረዳና ቀበሌ ደረጃ እንዴት
ይታያል? ጣልቃ ገብነትስ አለብላችሁ ታምናላችሁ? ተወያዩበት
2. የምክርቤት አባላት የአስፈጻሚዎች የተጠያቂነት ሁኔታ ምን ይመስላል?

[Type text] Page 67

3. በበጅት ዕቅድ የመንግስት አገልግሎት አሰጣጥን አስመልክቶ ዞን ዎረዳና ቀበሌ የማህበረሰቡን ምክርና
አስተያዬት የመቀበል ሁኔታ ይኖር ይሆን?
4. በብሄረሰብ አስተዳደሩ በወረዳና ቀበሌ ደረጃ ባሉ ውሳኔዎች የህዝብ ተሳትፎ እንዴት ታዩታላችሁ?
5. በራስ ቁዋንቁዋ የመጠቀም የመገልገል ሁኔታስ?

6. በክልሉ ህገ-መንግስት የተቀመጠውን መብትና ግዴታ ለመወጣት ለብሄረሰብ አስተዳደሩ እንቅፋቶችና

ችግሮች ምንድን ናቸው? እንዴትስ ሊፈቱ ይችላሉ?

ዉድ ጊዜያችሁን ሰጥታችሁ መጠየቁን ስለሞላችሁ ከልብ አመሰግናለሁ

[Type text] Page 68