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New Generations, Old Challenges: Questioning Grassroots Development in the Horn of Africa
JOURNAL OF YOUTH RESEARCHES
A point of remark worth to share here is the case of a ten-year-old 2
nd
grade, HOARCM19.
She carries 12 liters of water from a distance neighborhood. And that is what she does
every day (23/04/11).
Deforestation, Grassroots Consciousness, and the Struggle for
Survival
Concerns, for the existing level as well as the coming level of climate change, have max-
imized. There is a current revolution, and practical responses worldwide. Ethiopia is also
widely involved in contributing to the control of the climate change. The Ethiopian Growth
and Transformation Plan (GTP) had given immense consideration to environmental pro-
tection. “…building a ‘Green Economy’ and ongoing implementation of environmental
laws are among the key strategic directions to be pursued during the plan period” (GTP,
2010, p.119). (2012:8-9).
Over years, on the other hand, there has been deforestation in the target project sites.
The common practice was, the destruction of the forest for charcoal production purpose,
the burning of the grass and the forest for new grazing and farming. This in turn affected
the wild life. As a result, by now, there are quite less number of wild animals as compared
with their number years back.
Some residents of the target area seem extremely concerned. “We are almost
changing to desert. The Sheppard and the cattle have no any shadow for day-time
temporary shelter, and the grass and water; because the people cut the entire green
plants” (HOARCM38, 23/04/11).
The people have no adequate awareness about the tourism and the Gibe Sheleko
National Park (GSNP). Only few, and the kebele administration members can be
said to have some awareness (HOARCM17, 23/04/11).
There are also recurring opinions for why this many community members had to do the
charcoal business. “Regarding the charcoal, people are doing it to survive in the deteri-
orating life condition. There is some sort of improvement. The cattle experience serious
level leg injuries as toes and legs burnt by buried fires. The government attempted to use
force, but the most important thing should be awareness creation and communication.
The people’s health has also been negatively affected by that” (HOARCM17, 23/04/11).
Carbone monoxide, one of the most poisonous gases, caused by the charcoal.
When the people open it, the carbon monoxide harms their internal and external
bodies (HOARCM20, 23/04/11).
There is charcoal production, mass burning and hunting. Currently, there is a park
stretching from Kosse to Gerenbo, Gibe Sheleko National Park, and this would
bring some hope (HOARCM16, 23/04/11).
