ETHIOPIA In Focus
Message from the Ambassador
Editorial

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Editorial

Ethiopia has ventured on a federal structure to address the unique needs of the diverse interests of the nation. The federal system is taking roots in institutionalizing equitable growth among the diverse groups of the nation. Democratization of such nature is an important basis for safeguarding the stability of the country. It also hinges, among others, on efforts underway to deepen empowerment at the local level and building the capacities of the rural communities to run their own affairs.

The twin strategies which focus on democratization and poverty alleviation, are of paramount importance to address the development needs of the country. Measures taken over the past 11 years in terms democratization and economic liberalization need to be supplemented by strategies that support the majority of the population to a productive and sustainable life.

Encouraging results registered in the areas of economic and social reform including improving health and education systems of the country, can only be sustainable if supported by strategies to mitigate the abject poverty. As an agriculture-based rural economy, the nation puts much emphasis on alleviating poverty in the rural areas.

Ethiopia is determined to hit the target of achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MUGS) which has the main component, among others, of halving the prevalence of poverty by 2015, to eliminate gender disparities in primary and secondary schools and improving social rendering services. The draft national policy strategy for Poverty reduction has been debated by many parts of the population and is now completed. This will pave the way for concerted national action and meaningful participation in similar international forums.

The government of Ethiopia encourages the private sector, NGOs and other parts of the society to contribute to the over all progress in mitigating and irradicating poverty. The government is also playing a facilitator role to grass root efforts by providing basic infrastructure schemes such as basic health system, roads, and electricity and education facilities.

It is also coordinating efforts with international partners to address this issue and rally the necessary support. The World Bank has recently applauded Ethiopia, for concrete measures taken to give equal access to basic education for its people. Enrollment rates at the primary education level rose from approximately 30 per cent in 1992 to 57 percent at present, with girls enrollment increasing from 26 per cent to 47 per cent over the same period, it was learnt.

This year alone Ethiopia received various forms of assistance from the World Bank, the Africa Development Bank and many bilateral development partners, to expand rural electrifications, expand infrastructures such as road and improve the agriculture and the health sectors, which are quite important to address poverty alleviation in the rural area.

The Ethiopian government gives utmost priority to transform the decade-long deep-rooted reform measures in the democratization and economic development arenas to a sustainable level. This could be realized if the right balance is maintained between reform, democratization and poverty alleviation. Ethiopia will also continue to forge cooperation with the international community to achieve these goals.

July 2002 Vol.4 No.2