http://ir.bdu.edu.et/handle/123456789/1998 Wed, 16 Sep 2026 06:38:46 GMT 2026-09-16T06:38:46Z http://ir.bdu.edu.et/handle/123456789/17325 Cultural Significance of River Abay in Ethiopia: Ethnography of Water-inspired Beliefs, Spiritual Practices and Symbolic Meanings Along the Banks in the Wetet Abay Area Abraham, Genet Far from being mere inanimate natural occurrences, river flows around the world are sites where natural phenomena intersect with cultural traditions. From this intersection and interaction a range of rich cultural values, beliefs, meanings and social significances emerge and persist. Drawing on this understanding of rivers as coupled natural and human systems, this dissertation is a broad ethnographic investigation and interpretation of the cultural significance of River Abay (hereafter Abay) in Ethiopia. Specifically, the research explored spiritual beliefs and practices, and symbolic meanings linked with Abay, as well as the distinct ecological elements of those beliefs and practices. Ethnographic, and to some extent historical information informing the study, was collected through a combination of in-depth interviews and participant observation among communities residing along the river in Wetet Abay town and its rural vicinities. Some popular Amharic proverbs, poems and song verses about Abay were also included and interpreted to provide the research a folkloric context, in order to better grasp the symbolic meanings associated with the river. Along with some empirical studies relevant to the topic, the firsthand data were analyzed through thematic and content analysis methods. The findings reveal that, in the eyes of local people, Abay is concurrently imbued with holy powers and untamed supernatural beings. This notion, in particular, has made Abay a spiritually significant site for invoking the mediation and protection of supernatural forces through rituals and sacrifices conducted along the river. Symbolically, Abay is perceived via a humanized lens, with its natural features profoundly embodied as metaphorical and figurative elements in the language used to express diverse phenomena and aspects of people’s lives. The cultural values, especially the spiritual beliefs and practices associated with Abay, possess important ecological elements, contributing to conservation along the river, particularly in the protection of trees. The [viii] findings imply that, there is an overall decline in the frequency and regularity of magico religious rituals and sacrifices along the river. In addition, at the state level, the river’s cultural features are overlooked in favor of focusing on its economic aspects. However, despite the decline of rituals and the policy neglect, the imagery of Abay as religiously holy, as well as home of powerful invisible beings affecting the welfare of humans remains enduring. Abay also persists as a common and distinctive natural and cultural icon for the Ethiopian people, where its real and symbolic presence has profound and lasting imprint in the traditions of local communities and the imaginations of individuals. Sat, 01 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT http://ir.bdu.edu.et/handle/123456789/17325 2026-08-01T00:00:00Z http://ir.bdu.edu.et/handle/123456789/16858 Education In Emergencies: Unpacking Child Education In Internally Displaced Persons Sites In Ethiopia, Debre Berhan Internally Displaced Persons Camp Yeshiwas, Dereb The main purpose of this study was to unpack child education in IDP sites in Ethiopia, Debre Berhan Internally Displaced Persons‘ camp. The study further explored differences in Education for internally Displaced Children on the basis children‘s demographic characteristics (gender and location). To this end, an explanatory sequential mixed-method design was used. A proportional stratified sampling technique was employed to select the research participants from the schools. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected from selected participants. Then, descriptive and inferential statistics, including cross-case analysis for the qualitative data were employed. The findings of the study revealed that quality education, inclusive education, safety and protection, and overall Education for Internally Displaced Children appeared poor. This is due to the absence of sustainable follow ups from parents, school teachers and lack of enough support from schools; that school facility for education; cultural barriers, lack of confidence, engaging on multiple activities, such as family management, child rearing; economic problem; language barrier, and the presence of military clashes among different groups, etc. Based on gender, male IDC showed more access and safety and protection compared with female. Yet, no difference existed on quality and inclusive education. In terms of location, urban IDC experiences better Access to education and Quality education than IDC lived in rural displaced areas. Whereas, there were no differences observed between IDC in their inclusion education and safety and protection. This was because of IDC‘s own negative attitude for education, lack of confidence to go to school, the isolated nature of the rural schools from the center limits them to access varieties of assertiveness training, lack of facilities during the instructional process, poor infrastructure, lack of supervision from administrative staffs and experienced special teachers, and complete lack of government provision and financing of all levels of education, etc. The major factors affecting the implementation of EIDC were categorised into school related, resource related and security related. Accordingly, the concerned personnel at all levels, particularly, REBs, ZED, woredas, in synergy with NGOs and schools level leaders) should take corrective measures to tackle the identified gaps and challenges investigated in this study. Thu, 01 May 2025 00:00:00 GMT http://ir.bdu.edu.et/handle/123456789/16858 2025-05-01T00:00:00Z http://ir.bdu.edu.et/handle/123456789/16787 Assessing Rural Farmer’s Livelihood Diversification Practice: The Case of Enebse Sarmidir Woreda, East Gojam, Amhara Region, Ethiopia Getnet, Aselef Livelihood diversification is a key strategy for rural farmers to improve income, build resilience, and reduce vulnerability to agricultural shocks. However, the status, drivers, and constraints of diversification vary across different contexts, requiring localized assessments to inform interventions. This study aimed to assessing rural farmer’s livelihood diversification practices, identify the types, status/extent, drivers, and explore the constraints that hinder rural livelihood diversification in Enebsie Sarmider Woreda, East Gojjam Zone, Amhara Region. A mixed-methods approach was employed. Data were collected through structured surveys, key informant interviews, and observations. Multistage sampling was employed to select 307 respondents from four kebeles. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS version 27.0 and reported through descriptive statistics like percentage, frequency and mean, while qualitative data were analyzed through thematic analysis. Findings were presented using text, tables, figures and pie charts. Results of this study show that, 61.6% of respondents relied solely on farming, while 38.4% engaged in diversified livelihood strategies. Major drivers of livelihood diversification include shortage of land, inadequate income from cropping, agricultural shocks, lack of labor for farm activities and opportunities for capital accumulation. while constraints include lack of access to infrastructure, lack of raw materials, lack of startup capital, lack of awareness and technical skills, negative attitude of the local community towards non-farm activities, job marginalization as well as socio-cultural norms and gender disparities. The study revealed low levels of livelihood diversification among rural households in Enebsie Sarmider Woreda. Addressing key constraints and leveraging drivers can enhance rural livelihood diversification, reduce poverty, and improve food security. Comprehensive interventions, including infrastructure development, financial support, technical training, and community awareness, are recommended to promote diversified livelihood practices. Thu, 01 May 2025 00:00:00 GMT http://ir.bdu.edu.et/handle/123456789/16787 2025-05-01T00:00:00Z http://ir.bdu.edu.et/handle/123456789/16786 Examining Livelihoods and Drought Coping Strategies Of Rural Households in Drought Affected Areas, Abergele Woreda, Waghimra Zone, Ethiopia Sisay, Dessalegn The impetus for this research arises from a deep recognition of the ongoing vulnerability of rural households in Abergele Woreda, Waghimra Zone—one of the area most severely affected by drought. So, this study examined livelihoods and drought coping strategies of rural households in drought affected areas, Abergele Woreda, Waghimra Zone. To address the stated objective, mixed research method particularly concurrent triangulation approach was employed. Primary data were collected through survey questionnaire, focus group discussions, key informant interview and observation, while secondary data has been used from documents and reports from different offices. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings of this study revealed that drought has had a significant impact on the livelihoods of households in the study area. Farming is the main livelihood strategy, with livestock husbandry playing a particularly dominant role. To support their livelihoods, about 52.6% of the sampled households engage in non- or off-farm activities alongside farming. Among these, the most common activities include seasonal migration, petty trading, and irrigation. In the study area, key community assets include the labor force, water resources, livestock, and community-based associations. However, households face limited access to essential services such as transportation, markets, climate information, credit, remittances, and savings. These limitations have negatively impacted livelihoods and their ability to cope effectively with livelihood challenges. The main coping strategies employed by households in response to drought include selling goats and sheep, relying on relief food, altering consumption patterns, seasonal migration and selling oxen and other productive assets. The results of the chi- square test revealed that gender, household size, education, access to transportation, availability of climate information, market distance, and credit access were significantly associated with livelihood diversification. Finally, it is recommended that the households should focus on developing drought-tolerant crops, expanding irrigation and trading to build resilient and sustainable livelihoods. Additionally, both governmental and non-governmental organizations should prioritize development programs like building infrastructure, irrigation canals and shifting short-term emergency food aid to long-term solutions Sun, 01 Jun 2025 00:00:00 GMT http://ir.bdu.edu.et/handle/123456789/16786 2025-06-01T00:00:00Z