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National Population Policy of Ethiopia

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PREFACE

Since the Transitional Government of Ethiopia came to office in May = 1991, a=20 number of steps have been taken and policy instruments formulated first = to=20 rehabilitate the shattered social and economic infrastructure and = secondly to=20 lay down a strong foundation for sustainable development in the years = ahead. The=20 official adoption of the National Population Policy is an important = aspect of=20 this all round exercise.

This policy has for its major goal the harmonization of the rate of=20 population growth and the capacity of the country for the development = and=20 rational utilization of natural resources thereby creating conditions = conductive=20 to the improvement of the level of welfare of the population. The = setting of=20 this broad goal is premised upon the realization and acceptance by the=20 government of the importance of demographic factors in development = planning and=20 services.

The task of harmonizing the rate of population growth with the tempo = of=20 economic and social development requires the involvement and = collaboration of a=20 number of governmental and non governmental agencies. The general = objectives=20 specified I the policy cannot be handled without reference to the need = for a=20 well defined division of labor among these agencies.

While the publication of this policy represents a significant step = towards=20 the attainment of major goals, the development of specific programmes of = action=20 and their implementation represent the most important phase of the = exercise.=20 This is the point at which domestic and international technical and = financial=20 input will prove to be vital.

Tamirat Layne,

Prime Minister

 

 

1. BACKGROUND

The combined forces of political turmoil, adverse climatic conditions = and an=20 all round decline in productivity in all sectors of the economy reduced = the=20 population of Ethiopia into a state of abject poverty. There has not = been any=20 time, since the early 1980s when the economy grew at a rate higher than = that of=20 the population. GDP grew at an average rate of 2.7% between 1965 and = 1980 and at=20 1.9% between 1980 and 1989.

Available data indicate that the population increased fourfold = between 1900=20 and 1988. At the beginning of the present century the crude rate of = natural=20 increase was estimated at 0.3% per annum. This was a far cry from the = 2.9% a=20 year suggested by the 1984 census. The total population in 1900 was = estimated at=20 11.8 million. It took 60 years for this to double to 23.6 million in = 1960. It=20 took only 28 years for the population in 1960 to double to 47.3 million = in 1988=20 and at 2.9% between 1980 and 1989. If the prevailing fertility rate = continues=20 and mortality declines as would be expected under normal conditions, it = is=20 projected that the population of Ethiopia may grow at the rate of 3.1% = or more a=20 year during the remaining part of the present century.

Two demographic factors responsible for this dramatic growth are a = continuing=20 high birth rate and slowly declining mortality rate. Available data = indicate=20 that total fertility rate increased from 5.8 children per woman in 1970 = to 7.7=20 children at present. Since there are no indications that the high = fertility=20 status of the Ethiopian population will change significantly within the=20 foreseeable future, particularly in the absence of effective fertility=20 regulation programmes, growth rates even higher than is the case at = present are=20 to be expected during the rest of the present decade and well into the = early=20 decades of the 21st century.

Fertility varies considerably by region and residence. Total = fertility rate=20 ranges between 5.1 children per woman in Wollo and 9 in Bale. In some of = the=20 regions such as Arsi, Bale, Gamo Gofa and Hararghe, the difference = between rural=20 and urban fertility are significant.

Both rural and urban fertility seemed to have increased significantly = between=20 1970 and 1990. While it is highly plausible to attribute this increase = to=20 improved data collection systems, it is also possible that fertility has = actually increased over the decade as a response to generally improved = health=20 conditions among which is the reduction in the prevalence of some deadly = sexually transmitted diseases. It is often assumed that there has been a = slow=20 but persistent decline in the level of mortality in the last two decades = or so.=20 But this claim is often, but perhaps, justifiably disputed on the = grounds that=20 decades of war and natural disasters can only push death rate up instead = of=20 down, Mortality, measured in terms of a number of indicators such as the = crude=20 death rate and infant mortality rate, continued to be high and life = expectancy=20 at birth remained low even by Sub-Saharan Africa standard.

Between 1970 and 1981 the crude death rate declined by only two = points, while=20 the infant mortality rate declined by 14 points. The corresponding = increase in=20 life expectancy at birth was slightly more than 8 years. Between 1984 = and 1991=20 practically no change was registered in infant mortality rate.

POPULATION = DISTRIBUTION

It is sheer numbers only that matters in the interaction between = demographic=20 factors and development variables. How a population is distributed by = such=20 characteristics as age, space and so on is an important determinant of = the=20 prospects for economic and social development. Apart from defining who = works and=20 who does not, the age structure determines future patterns of population = growth.

The spatial distribution describes the degree and quality of access = of a=20 population to land and other resources. This is manifested in either = declining=20 or raising population/land and population/resources rations. What is = happening=20 in Ethiopia today is the latter. Available data show that the man/and = ration has=20 been increasing over the last several decades in response to two = important=20 factors. The first is the rapid rate of population growth and the second = the=20 secular decline in environmental quality.

The distribution of a population by residence (rural and urban) in = some ways=20 indicate the degree of structural differentiation in the economy and the = society. But the desired structural differentiation is not only one=20 characterized by rapid changes in the pattern of residence but one that = is=20 accompanied by significant shifts from the primary to secondary and = tertiary=20 types of economic activity. This is not happening in Ethiopia to any = significant=20 degree.

AGE STRUCTURE

The population of Ethiopia is very young with a mean age of = approximately 17=20 years. According to the 1984 Census, the proportion of total population = under=20 the age of 15 was 48.0%. Since the level of fertility has not changed at = all,=20 there is no reason to think that there has been any change in the age=20 composition of the population since then. Assuming that the present high = fertility level continues unchanged, there will be no significant change = in the=20 age structure in the foreseeable future. The threat that the population = may even=20 get younger under a continuous onslaught of a high fertility regime is a = real=20 one. There are two possible consequences of a young population age = structure:=20 First, given the present age structure, the potential for a rapid growth = remains=20 quite high in view of the large annual addition to the population of = women in=20 their reproductive years. The continuous flow of new entrants into the=20 reproductive cycle makes for a high population momentum. The number of = women in=20 their child bearing ages is constantly replenished by the large number = of female=20 babies being born annually and surviving to puberty and beyond thus = maintaining=20 a high gross reproduction rate (GRR).

Another facet of the problem associated with age structure is that = the high=20 proportion of total population below the age of 15 (48.0%) represents a = sizeable=20 segment of the population that is outside the labor force. When this is = combined=20 with the approximately 4.0% of the total population 60 years and older = it=20 translates into a high age dependency burden. Even without taking into = account=20 such confounding factors as unemployment, underemployment and the high=20 prevalence of physical disability in the population, an economically = active=20 person is obliged to carry more than one inactive persons. In such = situations=20 whatever is produced is immediately consumed limiting the opportunity = for=20 surplus production which may be reinvested in further development.

The age dependency burden is and is likely to continue to be heavy = even=20 during the first few decades of the next century if no significant and = immediate=20 changes begin to take place in the present high fertility regime. In = 1993, for=20 example, every one hundred active persons in the labor force carried 116 = inactive ones.

SPATIAL = DISTRIBUTION

The geographic distribution of the population is uneven a = considerable=20 regional variation in both size and density. The population density for = the=20 country as a whole is estimated at 47 persons per square kilometer. = Shewa is the=20 most densely populated region with an estimated 120 persons per square = kilometre=20 and Bale, the least densely populated, with approximately 14.5 persons = per=20 square kilometer. This presents both challenges and opportunities in = terms of=20 formulating policies and programmes facilitating the free movement of = people=20 from low to high opportunity areas and where the addition of human = resources=20 would expedite economic and social development.

DISTRIBUTION BY=20 RESIDENCE

Most people in Ethiopia live in rural areas. In 1993 the urban = population=20 constituted only 14.6% of the total population. However, there are = considerable=20 regional variations in the level of urbanization. In 1993, the level = ranged=20 between 7.7% in Gamo Gofa and 28.2% in Shewa. As in may other developing = countries the rate of growth of the urban population in Ethiopia is = higher than=20 that of the total population. In 1993, for example the rate of growth in = the=20 urban population is 5.4% while that of the total population is 3.2%.

2. POPULATION AND=20 DEVELOPMENT

Environment

Experience over the last couple of decades in Ethiopia has shown that = as=20 human numbers increased, the population carrying capacity of the = environment=20 decreased. A high population growth rate induces increased demand for = resources=20 and the rate at which these resources are exploited. In Ethiopia where=20 technology has not kept pace with the demands for greater productivity,=20 environmentally harmful and economically counter-productive methods of=20 exploiting land and associated resources (forests, animal resources, = etc.) Are=20 resorted to in order to meet immediate needs. As a consequence of this, = climatic=20 conditions are becoming erratic and soil quality is declining at an = alarming=20 rate.

The country was ravaged by both man made and natural disasters. The=20 proportion of land with forest cover has been diminishing at alarming = rates. The=20 land area covered by forests has gone down from approximately 40.0% at = the turn=20 of the century to approximately 3.0% at the present time. The annual = rate of=20 deforestation is estimated at 88.000 hectares per year while the rate at = which=20 this loss is being replaced through afforestation is estimated at 6.000 = hectares=20 a year.

The soil has been and continues to be eroded in the absence of = coherent and=20 sustained conservation efforts. Popular awareness of conservation issues = is,=20 still, in its nascent stage. It is estimated that over two billion cubic = meters=20 of soil is being washed down, annually, by torrential rains down the = Nile valley=20 leaving most of the Ethiopian highlands with seriously eroded landscape = and=20 severely reduced population carrying capacity.

As population increased the demand for fuel and construction = materials=20 increased resulting in the practice of reckless tree felling. State = ownership of=20 forests and the exclusion of local communities from the management and=20 legitimate utilization of forest resources may have contributed to the = lack of=20 any consistent effort to replace tress cut for various purposes.

Under the circumstances described in the preceding pages, achieving = such=20 important national goals as food sufficiency, universal primary = education,=20 improving the accessibility of health services to the largest possible = number in=20 the shortest possible time, increasing employment opportunities, = reducing=20 underemployment in the labor force and improving housing conditions, = among=20 others, are proving to be exceedingly difficult under a scenario of = continuing=20 high fertility.

Displacement of significant segments of the population due to = political and=20 war related causes further compounded the problem associated with=20 man/environment interaction. The massive but haphazard movement of = population=20 from one part of the country to another, induced or self propelled, has=20 aggravated the problem of environmental fragility in the 1970s and the = 1980s.=20 Large areas of the country are inhabited by nomadic pastoralists who = move over=20 large expanses of land with large herds of livestock playing havoc on = the=20 environment. Environmental degradation in these areas has caused and = continues=20 to cause serious hardship to pastoralist groups. Non pastoralist groups = are also=20 affected by environmental degradation in their own turf's. Thus conflict = between=20 peoples of differing social organizations of production but of = overlapping needs=20 for land come into frequent conflict with each other with serious = consequences=20 for peace and stability.

Declining Productivity in Crop Producing=20 Areas:

Crop producing are becoming less and less productive. There are = several sides=20 to the problem of declining productivity in the crop producing sector. = Among=20 these are: lack of proper agricultural policy designed to stimulate = dynamism in=20 the sector, forced collectivization, the limited accessibility of modern = factor=20 inputs (suitable farm implements, fertilizers pest, control systems, = methods of=20 harvesting and storage, etc.) To small farmers outside the collectivized = system=20 and, in general, the weak and ineffective organization l set-up of the=20 agricultural sector. Agricultural extension services are weak and, = largely=20 ineffective.

But more importantly, declining productivity is a function of = increasing=20 man/land ration occasioned by rapid population growth. Continued = technological=20 backwardness and absence of any vision about what the country should = look like=20 in the future have patterns have been affected by the expansion of large = scale=20 agricultural enterprises and the programme of relocating segments of the = population from one part of the country to another.

It is often stated that it is only a small proportion of the = potential arable=20 land that is put under crops. For instance, it is reported that the = period=20 1985-87, cropland represented only 12.7% of total land area, pasture = land 41.0%,=20 forest and woodland 25.0%, and other land 9 including wilderness) = 21.4%.

The seriousness of the problem militating against the attainment of = the goal=20 of food self sufficiency is, further, illustrated by the direction in = which=20 changes in food supply have been going in relation to population = dynamics.=20 Alternative pictures of the food situation in Ethiopia under three = population=20 growth assumptions suggest that the growth in demand for food (cereals = only) is=20 primarily a function of population growth and only secondarily, a = function of=20 the increase in per capita consumption. Going by the high variant = population=20 growth assumption does not provide even the remotest hope of attaining = the goal=20 of food self sufficiency any time during the first few decades of the = next=20 century. On the other hand with significant reduction in the level of = fertility=20 the country will come close to achieving that goal sometime during the = first two=20 decades of the 21st century especially if this is accompanied by = increased=20 effort in increasing the rate of growth in food production. Under the = low=20 variant population growth assumption, demand for food is expected to = grow at the=20 rate of 2.3% a year between the years 2015 and 225 while under the high = variant=20 assumption demand for food would increase at over 5.0% a year.

EDUCATION

In spite of the fact that during the last several decades enrolment = figures,=20 in absolute term at various levels of education have significantly = increased,=20 large proportions of the school age population still remain outside the = school=20 system. Because of the more rapid rate which enrolment increased = relative to=20 facilities, the quality of education has serious deteriorated. = Student/teacher=20 ratios, number of students per class room and number students per = textbook at=20 all levels have been increasing and continue to increase rapidly.

The issue of quality of education is one that revolves around, inter = alia,=20 the increase demand occasioned by the rapid growth in the size of the = school age=20 population. Under the high variant assumption of population growth, the = school=20 age population (ages 7-18) expected to increase from 12.0 million in the = year=20 2020 representing an average annual growth rate of 3.5%.

Considering the country's budgetary constraints, it is not difficult = to=20 appreciate the co implications of pursuing the goal of universal primary = education and increasing access second and third level facilities.

HEALTH

Health policy in Ethiopia is rooted in the primary health care = approach which=20 has, head education, education in personal and environmental hygiene, = nutrition,=20 immunization a family planning for standard components. The network of = health=20 care services have always been limited in scope and the situation = deteriorated=20 in the face of intensified civil was rehabilitating the rundown health=20 infrastructure and restoring them to the status quo ante in itself a = tremendous=20 task in the transitional period.

It was estimated that, around 1990, only 46 per cent or less of the=20 population of Ethiopia lived within a reasonable distance from health = care=20 facilities - reasonable distance be defined as a radius of 10 kilometers = from=20 where people live. The population/physician population/nurse ratios were = estimated at approximately 30,700 and 15,000 respectively. Daily calorie = supply=20 per capita was estimated at 76.0% of the recommended daily intials. Only = 18% of=20 the rural and 78% of the urban population has access to safe water = supply 5.3%=20 use any form of latrines. Clearly, even in terms of the basic = necessities of=20 life Ethiopian population is severely under-served and there is a long = way to go=20 in meet these needs even in the most rudimentary manner. There will be = no basis=20 for expecting that significant inroads would be made towards solving = these basic=20 health problems if the present high rate of population growth continues. = The=20 figures cited above represent national averages and as such hide a = considerable=20 degree of regional disparity.

Community based health care programs and outreach services are still = in their=20 rudimentary stage. The expanded program of immunization (EPI), the = establishment=20 of which generated so much optimism, has suffered serious setbacks in = the late=20 1980s and the early 1990s. Data for the period covering July to = September 1992=20 indicate the following:

 a) BCG 19.0%

 b) Measles 9.0%

 c) DPT-3 12.0%

 d) Polio-3 13.0%

 e) TT-2 + 7.0%

Continuing shortages of basic drugs has stunted the development of a = coherent=20 community base approach to health care.

FERTILITY AND MATERNAL AND = CHILD=20 HEALTH

Studies in a number of countries have shown that wherever fertility = is high=20 materna, infant and child mortality rates are high. Fetal deaths, low = weight at=20 birth and related problems are also associated with unregulated = fertility. More=20 specifically, high maternal, infant and child mortality rates are = associated=20 with such reproductive practices as short birth intervals, pregnancies = in women=20 under the age of 20 and above the age of 35 and so on. The situation is = made=20 more complex by the high prevalence, in the population, of infectious = and=20 communicable diseases as well as malnutrition.

The National Maternal and Child Health Center of the Ministry of = Health was=20 established as a practical expression of the belief that many of the = causes of=20 maternal, infant and child morbidity and mortality can be dealt with an=20 effective MCH program combined with family planning.

Budgetary allocations to the health sector have been very limited and = are=20 likely to continue to be so in the foreseeable future because of the = general=20 budgetary constraints in the country compounded by a variety of = contending=20 demands for investment resources. It must also be recognized that side = by with=20 shortages in resources, this country has the problem of low resource = utilization=20 capacity.

In the face of such constraints, which are likely to continue for = sometime to=20 come, significant reduction in the rate of growth of the population will = ease=20 future burden of rapidly increasing demand and help in bringing the = country a=20 step or two closer to the attainment of the goal of health for all by = the first=20 decade of the next century.

The emphasis on reducing materna, infant and child morbidity and = mortality is=20 a well placed health policy concern because the health problems of this = segment=20 of the population contribute significantly to the high morbidity and = mortality=20 situation in the country. But the probability that this goal will, at = least, be,=20 partially, met depends, among others, on how effectively and = expeditiously the=20 issue of population dynamics is managed.

HOUSING

The quality of housing in Ethiopia, in general, is exceedingly low. = Data from=20 the census of population and housing of 1984 draw a grim picture of the=20 situation. Since one of the major goals of development policy is = improving the=20 standard of living of the population, improvement of housing conditions = is an=20 concern with considerable implication for the health and well-being of = citizens.=20 Census data indicate the following features of the housing problem.

a) 70.2 % of dwelling units in the country have one room only;

b) In terms of structure the majority of the dwelling units in the = country=20 are below standard and lack adequate living space. The average number of = rooms=20 per dwelling unit is 2.3;

c) A considerable proportion of dwelling units are shared by more = than one=20 household;

d) The majority of dwelling units lack even the most basic sanitary=20 facilities.

POPULATION, LABOR FORCE = AND=20 UNEMPLOYMENT

The problems of employment and underemployment have beleaguered the = Ethiopian=20 society during the second half of the century. There are, currently, = thousands=20 of school leavers who are without jobs and the situation had = progressively=20 deteriorated in the 1970s and the 1980s. As the economy and the society = were=20 brought under the total control of the state, there was very little room = for=20 employment generation through private sector initiatives. Additionally = the=20 situation of a war time economy that obtained since the mid 1970s = starved the=20 productive sector of the economy with the consequence that the sector=20 practically came to a standstill. The situation is likely to be further=20 aggravated by the rapid rate at which the population of working age is = expected=20 to increase under the high variant population growth assumption.

Even taking the middle of the road view, the total economically = active=20 population is expected to grow at the rate of 3.6% a year while the = economically=20 active female and male populations are expected to grow at average = annual rates=20 of 4.4% and 3.1% respectively. Between 1995 and the year 2000 the = corresponding=20 expected gender specific growth rates are 3.0% and 3.4%. The total = economically=20 active population is expected to grow at an average rate of 3.2% a = year.

THE SITUATION OF=20 WOMEN

The economic, social and political status of women have direct = bearings on=20 the level of fertility in any society. Where women's roles are = exclusively=20 defined in terms of household management and matrimonial duties, as is = the case=20 in Ethiopia, they are subject to the expectation that they replenish the = race by=20 bearing a large number of children and assume full responsibility for=20 maintaining them almost single handedly. Since women are, by and large,=20 economically dependent on men, the decision to have or not have children = rests,=20 primarily in the husband and his relatives. The conscious but = unarticulated=20 realization that not all children born survive, serves as an inducement = to high=20 fertility performance in order to compensate for the high rate of = attrition by=20 death.

The low female participation rate in formal education further = reinforces the=20 expectation that women play their domestic managerial and matrimonial = roles to=20 the fullest possible extent. School enrolment statistics for 1984 shoe = the=20 female participation rate to be somewhat lower than that of males (21.8% = for=20 females against 26.2% for males). Another indicator of the degree of = female=20 deprivation pertaining to access to education is the literacy rate. = Census data=20 indicate that, around 1984, female illiteracy rate was considerably = higher than=20 that of males (80.4% for the former and 65.4% for the latter). An = important=20 factor explaining the relatively low access of females to the = educational system=20 is the traditional value system placing greater premium on males than on = females.

Since educational resources are scarce, parents often decide to use = the=20 limited resources available to them in sending male children to school = in=20 preference to females. It must, however, be noted that there has never = been any=20 government policy to restrict female access to formal education.

Another feature defining the low status of women in this country is = the fact=20 that their participation in the labor force is low. Even when they are = employer=20 they are found in non professional and dead-end type of jobs. Women = represent=20 negligible proportions of persons employed in the professional/technical = and=20 Administrative/managerial occupations.

Family laws, currently in force, restrict the right of women to = regulate=20 their fertility and discourage the widespread use of modern birth = control=20 methods. Thus, technically, all institutions providing family planning = in this=20 country, including government health institutions, are doing so = illegally.=20 Consequently, the contraceptive prevalence rate in Ethiopia is very = low.

In the past a number of policy related and administrative problems = impeded=20 effective service delivery. Among these are:

 a) The practice of limiting family planning service delivery to = formal=20 health institutions;

b) The inability of health facilities to retain personnel trained in = family=20 planning.

c) Restrictions concerning the involvement of NGOs in family planning = service=20 deliver.

d) An inefficient system of delivery of contraceptives and related = supplies=20 to regional health facilities and the absence of accountability about = how=20 regional medical stores distribute such supplies to health = facilities.

e) A near total absence of cooperation between regional medical = stores and=20 service delivery agencies in the regions resulting in a considerable = wastage of=20 supplies due to expiry of the shelf lives of contraceptive supplies and=20 drugs. 

Given the fact that the vast majority of the population has = exceedingly=20 limited access to family planning, the unmet needs are immense = suggesting that=20 innovative approaches have to be adopted in order to make any headway in = dealing=20 with the problem of excessive fertility in this country.

Existing laws permit female marriage at age 15. This provision is = made in=20 compliance with the cultural requirement that females enter into the = state of=20 matrimony at an early age so that they begin their reproductive careers = early=20 enough. But practices in a large number of culture groups allow for = marriage to=20 take place at even younger ages. Early marriage for girls is one of the = factors=20 contributing not only to the maintenance of a high fertility regime but = also to=20 high maternal, infant and child morbidity and mortality.

Unwanted pregnancy is known to represent a serious problem in this = country=20 today although only limited empirical date are currently available. A = study=20 conducted in five hospitals in Addis Ababa around 1988 provide = sufficient=20 indication that many women resort to abortion year 1985/86, 3244 (55.2%) = women=20 out of a total of 6198 cases reporting to the obstetrics/gynecology = departments=20 of the said five hospitals were abortion cases. This went up to 58.6% in = the=20 reporting year 1986/87. Clearly, this can only represent a very small = proportion=20 of women, particularly those of younger ages who seek abortion from = unauthorized=20 sources. The conclusion to be drawn from the discussion of the current = situation=20 of women in the Ethiopian society is that vigorous steps have to be = taken by=20 government to remove all the cultural and social impediments militating = against=20 their full enjoyment of fundamental human rights. Raising the status of = women=20 involves, inter alia, increasing female participation in the educational = system=20 at all levels, removing all social and cultural impediments militating = against=20 their competitive involvement in the economy in general and the market = place in=20 particular. More importantly conditions must be created to increase = their access=20 to every amenity that facilitates the development of their = entrepreneurial=20 potential.

The situation cannot be changed without significant changes in = societal=20 attitudes to and perception of the place of women in a society aspiring = to go=20 democratic. This change of attitude has to take place at the national, = regional,=20 local community and household levels. Thus, information, education and=20 communication programmes should and will be mounted to bring about such = changes=20 in attitude and perception. Efforts to change the situation to bring = about such=20 changes in attitude and perception. Efforts to change the situation = should begin=20 at the family, early and subsequent education l levels.

For example, the practice of differential assignment of males and = females to=20 different social, educational and professional roles must stop.

THE = SITUATION OF=20 CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS

Among the segments of the population most affected by drought, famine = and war=20 related displacement are children and adolescents. One only has to look = at the=20 streets of our cities and truism to realize the truism of this. = Thousands of=20 children have lost their parents either to war or to one or another type = of=20 natural disaster as a consequence of which they are forced to fend for=20 themselves as best they can provided they survive the initial shocks of=20 abandonment.

Even the most fundamental housing and sanitary facilities are not = accessible=20 to them. They are exposed not only to the vagaries of climate but are = also=20 exposed to the risk of death by epidemic, hunger and violence. As their = number=20 increases so does the chances of outbreaks of epidemics. City and = township=20 administrations cannot, without the participation of the community, cope = with=20 the increasing demand, by this segment of the population, for shelter, = potable=20 water and toilet facilities. Whatever gains are made in the improvement = of=20 social and physical infrastructure in towns and cities are soon eroded = by the=20 persistent onslaught of rural to urban migration between = towns/cities.

Social services addressing the needs of such persons are still in a=20 rudimentary stage and it is not likely that they will grow fast enough = in scope=20 to serve those who are already facing the problem let alone new = entrants.

The government will do everything possible, in the years ahead, to = mobilize=20 official and non-official efforts to deal with the problem.

Many children are born and raised in the streets and they are, from = an early=20 age, exposed the street culture. Among the risks adolescents are exposed = to is=20 those of unwanted pregnancy and criminal abortion. For instance, the = study in=20 five hospitals in Addis Ababa cited earlier shows that out of 7364 = reported=20 abortion cases 916 or 13.0% were under the age of 20 some of which could = very=20 well be from the streets.

Immediate steps need to be taken in finding ways and means of = enabling street=20 families a other persons marginalized by adverse social and economic = conditions=20 to be self supporting by means of self-employment promotion programmes. = This can=20 be done through the development of small scale enterprises involving the = production of goods and services this can be produced with = relatively=20 easily obtainable factor inputs. At the same family planning services = would be=20 accessible to them so that by practicing parenthood they reduce burdens = which=20 often prove to be impediments to self improvement.

Childhood malnutrition is rampant. Approximately 60.0% of all = children under=20 the age of five are 80.0% or less of the expected weight for this age = group. It=20 is estimated that only 10.0% of approximately 9.2 million children under = the age=20 of 5 attend modern health services. Because of adverse security and = related=20 conditions the momentum gained could not be maintained. The Government = plans to=20 look into various options of dealing with the problems of children and=20 adolescents by mobilizing governmental and non governments resources to = reduce=20 the plight of this important segment of the population.

3. RATIONALE FOR A = NATIONAL POPULATION=20 POLICY

The analyses of the interrelationship between demographic factors on = the one=20 hand and developmental variables on the other reveal that demographic = factors=20 such as rapid population growth, young age structure and the uneven = spatial=20 distribution of the population fuelled by a continuing high fertility = regime=20 exacerbate the severe state of underdevelopment that characterizes = contemporary=20 Ethiopian society. Underdevelopment manifests itself among others, in = the=20 following ways:

 a) low productivity in almost all sectors of the economy = resulting in=20 high rates of unemployment and underemployment and hence in absolute = deprivation=20 and apathy, 

b) low accessibility of basic social services such as education, = health and=20 housing,

c) the perennial problem of food insecurity affecting many parts of = the=20 country,

d) high prevalence of maternal, infant and child morbidity and = mortality -=20 problems that are partially attributed to the low status of women and = high=20 fertility and 

e) low life expectancy at birth.

The picture emerging from a discussion of the general social and = economic=20 environment way these impact on the life chances of the people of this = country=20 is not one that the facile conclusion that the force of demographic = problem, in=20 itself, solves other governmental problems. The situation in Ethiopia = clearly=20 illustrates the truism that demographic and development factors = reinforce each=20 other. High fertility and rapid on growth exert negative influences on = economic=20 and social development and low economic and social development provide = the=20 climate favoring high fertility and rapid population growth. Because of = an=20 unholy combination of these forces, Ethiopia self in a vicious circle of = failure=20 and defeatism.

The major task of government, in its role as a catalyst of = development, is to=20 identify points through which to break into the circle of failure and = defeatism=20 and mobilize energy and resources to that end. Among them major steps = the=20 Transitional Government of Ethiopia has taken to deal with the current = economic=20 and social crises are:

  • The adoption of an Economic Policy for the Transitional period = aiming at=20 introducing fundamental structural changes in the economy designed = to=20 significantly reduce the public sector dominance in critical sectors = of the=20 economy and creating conditions by which market forces, by and = large,=20 determine the supply and demand of goods and services and promote = private=20 sector participation in the production and distribution of such = goods and=20 services.
  • The decentralization of certain aspects of the decision making = process to=20 the regions and their zonal subdivisions in regard to the development = and=20 utilization of natural resources in ways that will benefit the peoples = of the=20 regions as well as the citizens of the country as a whole. This is = premised=20 upon the role of grass-roots participation as an engine of = development.=20

    • This also allows policy makers at all levels of government, a large = measure=20 of latitude in development related decision making on the basis of the = principle=20 of comparative advantage thus increasing more effective exchange = relationships=20 among the various parts of the country on the basis of reciprocity.

    And realistic population policy aims at ensuring that the rate of = economic=20 and development is ahead of the rate of population growth. The = Government=20 believes that this aim will be achieved if population programmes are = planned and=20 implemented in context of integrated and holistic development.

    4. GOALS, OBJECTIVES AND = STRATEGIES OF THE=20 POPULATION POLICY

    This policy has for its major goal the harmonization of the rate of=20 population growth a the capacity of the country for the development and = rational=20 utilization of natural resources to the end that the level of welfare of = the=20 population is maximized over time. The necessary of pursuing this goal = is=20 dictated by the fact that the rudimentary state of technologies = development=20 combined with rapid population growth has made the effort of extricating = the=20 country from its severe state of underdevelopment; and extremely = difficult task.=20 Significantly reduction of the rate of population growth by, primarily,=20 addressing the problem of his fertility will, in the long run, be = helpful in=20 easing the pressure from contending demands of development = resources.

    GENERAL = OBJECTIVES

    The paths to the attainment of the goal of harmonizing the = interrelationship=20 between population dynamics and other factors affecting the probability = of=20 development are many Given the assumption that there is a two way = interaction=20 between demographic factors of the one hand and other development = indicators on=20 the other, sound fertility reduction policy requires that action be = taken in=20 carefully selected areas in both spheres. Thus population policy aims at = pursuing the following general objectives:

    a) Closing the gap between high population growth and low = economic=20 productivity through planned reduction of population growth and = increasing=20 economic returns;

    b) Expediting economic and social development processes through = holistic=20 integrated development programmes designed to expedite the = structural=20 differentiation of the economy and employment;

    c) Reducing the rate to urban migration;

    d) Maintaining/improving the carrying capacity of the environment = by=20 taking appropriate environmental protection/conservation = measures;

    e) Raising the economic and social status of women by freeing = them from=20 the restrictions and drudgeries of traditional life and making it = possible=20 for them to participate productively in the larger community;

    f) Significantly improving the social and economic status of = vulnerable=20 groups (women, youth, children and the = elderly).

    SPECIFIC = OBJECTIVES

    a) Reducing the current total fertility rate of 7.7 children per = woman to=20 approximately 4.0 by the year 2015;

    b) Reducing maternal, infant child morbidity and mortality rates = as well=20 as promoting the level of general welfare of the population;

    d) Significantly increasing female participation at all levels of = the=20 educational system;

    e) Removing all legal customary practices militating against the = full=20 enjoyment of economic and social rights by women including the full=20 enjoyment of property rights and access to gainful employment;

    f) Ensuring spatially balanced population distribution patterns = with a=20 view to maintaining environmental security and extending the scope = of=20 development activities;

    g) Improving productivity in agriculture and introducing off-farm = non=20 agricultural activities for the purpose of employment = diversification;

    h) Mounting an effective country wide population information and=20 education programme addressing issues pertaining to small family = size and=20 its relationship with human welfare and environmental=20 security.

    STRATEGIES

     i) Expanding clinical and community based contraceptive=20 distribution services by mobilizing public and private = resources;

     ii) Promoting breast feeding as a means of dealing with the = problem=20 of childhood malnutrition and increasing the time span between = earlier and=20 subsequent pregnancies through IEC;

     iii) Raising the minimum age at marriage for girls from the = current=20 lower age limit of 15 to, at least, 18 years;

     iv) Planning and implementing counseling services in the=20 educational system with the view to reducing the current high = attribution=20 rate of females;

     v) Providing career counseling services in second and third = level=20 institutions to enable students especially girls to make appropriate = career=20 choices;

     vi) Designing and implementing a coherent long term policy = that is=20 likely to create conditions facilitating an increased integration of = women=20 in the modern sector of the economy;

     vii) Undertaking feasibility and experiments in respect to = micro=20 enterprises, and creating a system for providing technical and = credit=20 support to men and women who have the aptitude for engaging in small = to=20 medium sized private enterprises;

    viii) Making population and family life related education and = information=20 widely available via formal and informal = media;

    ix) Establishing a system for the production and effective = distribution=20 of low cost radio receivers and information materials such as = posters, flyer=20 and all kings of promotional materials;

    x) Amending all laws, impeding, in any way, the access of women = to all=20 social, economic and cultural resources and their control over them=20 including the ownership of property and businesses;

    xi) Amending relevant articles and sections of the civil code in = order to=20 remove unnecessary restrictions pertaining to the advertisement, = propagation=20 and popularization of diverse conception control methods;

    xii) Ensuring and encouraging governmental and non-governmental = agencies=20 involved in social and economic development programs that they = incorporate=20 gender and population content in their activities by establishing = within=20 their organizations, appropriate units to deal with these = issues;

    xiii) Establishing teen-age and youth counseling centers in = reproductive=20 health;

    xiv) Facilitating research program development in reproductive=20 health;

    xv) Developing IEC programmes specially designed to promote male=20 involvement in family planning;

    xvi) Diversifying methods of contraception with particular = attention to=20 increasing the availability of male oriented=20 methods;

    5. MAJOR AREAS OF POPULATION = ACTIVITIES=20 REQUIRING PRIORITY ATTENTION

     a) Improving the Quality and Scope of Service Delivery:

     Existing service delivery systems are limited in both scope and = diversity. At present family planning services are available only = through the=20 formal health structure. User choice of methods are restricted by the = fact that=20 the contraceptive mix currently available is limited. Steps will, = therefore, be=20 taken to expand coverage and afford greater choice of methods to users = by:

    i) Expanding the diversity and coverage of family planning = service=20 delivery through clinical and community based outreach services;

    ii) Encouraging and supporting the participation of non = governmental=20 organizations in the delivery of population and family planning = related=20 services;

    iii) Creating conditions that will permit users the widest = possible=20 choice of contraceptives by diversifying the method mix available in = the=20 country

    b) Population Research, Data Collection, Analysis and = Dissemination:

    Among activities to be given priority attention in programme = development and=20 implementation processes is improving and strengthening domestic = capacity for=20 generating, analyzing and disseminating demographic and population = related=20 information by making more domestic and external funds available to = institutions=20 engaged in demographic and population related research and training. In=20 addition, collaboration with foreign research and academic institutions = will be=20 actively sought. Further, research activities will focus attention on = the study=20 of the complex interrelationship between population factors and = development=20 variables. Thus the information generated this way will represent = critical=20 inputs in development planning processes and provide relatively more = accurate=20 bases for forecasting probabilities and trends of development. Work in = this=20 important area will be considerably facilitated by:

    I) Enacting laws/regulations making the registration of vital events=20 (marriage, birth and death) compulsory;

    ii) Providing existing research institutions (Population Analysis and = Studies=20 Center (PASC), the Demographic Training and Research Center (DTRC), = etc.) With=20 the necessary technical and material support in order to enable them to = process=20 and disseminate data generated by censuses, sample surveys (inter-censal = surveys, demographic and health surveys, household consumption surveys, = labor=20 force surveys, etc.).

    c) Expansion and Strengthening Domestic Capacity for Training in=20 Population:

    The requirements for high level technical personnel are currently met = by=20 sending men and women abroad for graduate training in demography and = population=20 studies as well as providing graduate training in population studies at = the=20 Demographic Training and Research Center of the Addis Ababa University. = Training=20 of family planning workers is currently provided by the Family Guidance=20 Association of Ethiopia (FGAE) and the Ministry of Health through its=20 institutions for the training of nurses, midwives and health assistants. = But in=20 view of the critical need for more trained personnel t man expanded = population=20 programs envisaged in this policy it is necessary to expand existing = domestic=20 capacity. Accordingly:

    - Medical Schools

    - Nursing and health assistants=3D schools

    - Junior Colleges

    - Technical and vocational schools (e.g. institutions for the = training of=20 home economists and teachers training institutions) in order to = accelerate=20 the integration of family planning with existing social services,=20 particularly health.

     iii) In-service training for teachers and other development = agents will=20 be organized.

    d) Expansion of IEC and Social Mobilization:

     Information, Education and Communication (IEC) pertaining to = population=20 and development issues play a vital role in increasing popular awareness = of the=20 issue of population and development and facilitated community = participation in=20 the implementation of programmes. An effective implementation of a = carefully=20 designed IEC program calls for the mobilization of all available = institutional=20 and manpower resources directly or indirectly involved in the sphere of=20 population and development information. Specifically IEC policy will = focus on=20 formulating comprehensive policies and programs that will permit:

     i) A wider and more systematic use of multi-media channels = to=20 facilitate the use of population IEC in expediting behavioral change = relative to family size, reproductive behavior, reproductive health, = family=20 nutrition, personal and environmental hygiene;

    ii) The dissemination of population related information through = community=20 organizations, interest groups, political bodies, women and youth = groups,=20 NGOs, adult education classes, industrial and other work = establishments=20 where there is a significant concentration of workers and so on;

    iii) The incorporation of population and family life education = topics as=20 integral parts of formal education curricula at relevant levels of=20 education;

    iv) The incorporation of population related topics in the package = of=20 information carried to the rural population by agricultural = extension=20 workers, informal community leaders, and other community level = development=20 practitioners;

    v) The strengthening of the capacity of population and women's = affairs=20 units in relevant government development agencies to produce and = disseminate=20 IEC programmes.

    6. ORGANIZATIONAL = MECHANISMS FOR=20 THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE POPULATION POLICY

    The multi-disciplinary Nature of Population Programs:

    The population concern touches upon nearly all facets of economic and = social=20 life of people. Given the magnitude and complexity of the developmental = problems=20 our country faces, it no longer makes sense to justify the enactment of = a=20 population policy on health grounds only. Population policy is justified = by its=20 multifaceted impact on all aspects of economic and social life.=20 Population/demographic factors have to be regarded as both determinants = and=20 consequences of the level of economic and social development. Such an = insight of=20 the scope and importance of the role of population in nation building = efforts=20 determines the type of organizational mechanism required to effectively=20 implement policies pertaining to it.

    In this country population matters have been, heretofore, accorded = low=20 priority. The current view that demographic variables permeate all = aspects of=20 economic and social life makes it imperative that population policy be = managed=20 in such a way that all the relevant sectors of the economy and society = are=20 equitably served by it.

    Structural Arrangements for the Implementation of Population=20 Policy

    In view of the difficulties likely to encountered in ensuring = inter-agency=20 concerted action via the option of designating one ministry as a = coordinating=20 agency for population matters, the most effective structural = alternative,=20 strategically speaking, for the implementation of this policy is to view = it as a=20 special sector in the Office of the Prime Minister. This involves two = things,=20 namely, the establishment of a National Population Council (NPC) to be = chaired=20 by the Prime Minister or a senior official to be designated by him and = an Office=20 of Population within the Office of the Prime Minister.

    Population activities in this country will be undertaken under the = general=20 framework defined by this policy and the technical and programmatic = guidelines=20 to be developed by the Office of Population in consultation with the = NPC.

    Implementation of programmes takes place at the grass roots level and = therefore, a close relationship between the Office of Population and = other=20 bodies with related functions at the regional, zonal and wereda levels = is vital.=20 It is equally important that a clearly defined division of labor be = indicated at=20 the outset and once agreed upon adhered to.

    Members of the National Population Council:

    - The Minister of Planning and Economic Development

    - The Minister of Health

    - The Minister of Education

    - The Minister of Information

    - The Minister of Labor and Social Affairs

    - The Minister of Natural Resources Development and Environmental = Protection

    - Addis Ababa University (to be represented by a demographer,=20 sociologist/ geographer)

    - The General Manager of the Central Statistics Authority

    - Head of the Regional Administration Affairs Sector in the = Office of the=20 Prime Minister

    - Head of the Women's Sector in the Office of the Prime = Minister

    - Head of the Office of Population in the Prime Minister's Office

    - The President of the Family Guidance Association of = Ethiopia

    - Two prominent persons in the = field

    The restriction of membership to the National Council is necessitated = by the=20 requirement of efficiency and the need to create a forum for those who = are more=20 directly involved in the varied facets of the programme. However, larger = groups=20 of interested persons from the regions will be convened, from time to = time, to=20 consider basic issues concerning programme implementation and make=20 recommendations about how things may be rectified. The requirement of = broader=20 participation in programme management will be further ensured through = grass=20 roots involvement in the programme evaluation process. Additionally, to = link the=20 activities of the NPC and the Office of Population with the broad = spectrum of=20 governmental bodies involved in population and development activities at = all=20 levels, such bodies will be convened in a consultative framework at = least once a=20 year and as the need arises to deliberate and advise the government on = ways and=20 means of facilitating implementation processes.

    The National Population Council will be responsible to the Council of = Ministers for:

    i) Developing specific policies and programs pertaining to = population and=20 development to be undertaken in the various sectors of the economy = and=20 creating conditions conducive to inter-sectoral collaboration;

    ii) Defining a broad legal framework within which population and=20 development related information (IEC) are to be accessible to the = general=20 population by various governmental and non-governmental groups;

    iii) Reviewing short, medium and long term plans of actions = leading to a=20 significant reduction of the current high level of fertility as soon = as=20 possible and recommend same for adoption by=20 government;

    Functions of the Office of = Population:

    The Office of Population will be composed of a team of experts in the = various=20 dimensions of population activities without whose contribution the goal = of=20 harmonization of economic, social and demographic concerns cannot be = attained.=20 The Office will be headed by a senior member of the Prime Minister's = staff with=20 the rank of Minister who will be directly accountable to the Prime = Minister and=20 who can effectively work with personnel of varied expertise and must be = vested=20 with considerable authority so as to enable him/her to do effective = program=20 enforcement and coordinating work on behalf of the Council through its = chairman.=20 The Office will be technically supported by a multi-sectoral committee = whose=20 members are to be drawn from a wide variety of institutions .

    The Office of Population will have the following duties and=20 responsibilities:

    (i) Serving as the secretariat of the National Population = Council;

     (ii) guiding the development and articulation of operational = programs=20 in the field of population and related activities;

     (iii) Coordinating the activities of the various sectoral = agencies=20 (governmental and non-governmental) operating population and = development=20 related activities at different administrative levels;

     (iv) Monitoring and evaluating the impact of population = programs;

     (v) Promoting policy-oriented national research program on = population=20 and development;

     (vi) Ensuring that the programs conducted by various = ministries and=20 other agencies comply with the population policy and Council = guidelines;

     (vii) Establishing multi-sector technical committee and = special task=20 forces as required to assist in the effective implementation of the=20 Policy;

     (viii) Organizing and carrying out national and international = events=20 (Conferences, symposia, seminars, etc.) on population issues;

     (ix) Ensuring that inter-sectoral programs in population = activities=20 are effectively coordinated by instituting a sound information = exchange=20 system;

     (x) Facilitating the effective operation of existing family = planning=20 service delivery institutions;

     (xi) Facilitating conditions that will promote the creation = of=20 domestic capacity for the production of a variety of = contraceptives;

     (xii) Facilitating conditions that will promote the creation = of=20 domestic capacity for the production and distribution of materials and = equipment to increase people's access to population and development=20 information.

     (xiii) Establishing effective working relationships with=20 international agencies like the World Bank, the African Development = Bank, the=20 United Nations Population Fund and other global agencies for the = purpose of=20 facilitating the mobilization of technical and material resources that = will be=20 useful in goal attainment;

     (xiv) Ensuring the smooth functioning of existing demographic = data=20 mobilization systems and establishing new ones including the = establishment of=20 nationwide registration systems of vital events like birth, marriage, = death=20 and change of residence; etc.

    (xv) Strengthening domestic capacity for demographic and population = related=20 research and problems by mobilizing internal and external=20 resources;

    (xvi) Strengthening national capacity for training demographic = personnel by=20 facilitating the mobilization of technical material and financial=20 resources.

    Structure at Regional and Zonal = Level:

    a) Structure at the Regional Level:

    The structure at the National level will be replicated downwards = through the=20 regional to the zonal levels. There shall be a Regional Population = Council (RPC)=20 to be chaired by the Chief Executive Officer of the region or his=20 representative. The members will be:

    - The Head of the Regional Office of Population

    - The Head of the Regional Bureau for Planning and Development

    - The Head of the Regional Bureau for Health

    - The Head of the Regional Bureau for Education

    - The Head of the Regional Bureau for Environment and Natural = Resources

    - The Head of the Regional Bureau for Information

    - The Head of the Regional Bureau for Labor and Social Affairs

    - The Head of the Regional Women's Affairs Bureau

    - Chairman of the Regional Branch Association of the Family = Guidance=20 Association of Ethiopia

    The Regional Council will be assisted by a secretariat to be located = in the=20 Office of the Chief Executive of the region. While it is not possible to = replicate the staff pattern at the national level, efforts must be made = to staff=20 the regional secretariat with appropriate personnel. The size and = composition of=20 the regional secretariat must reflect the magnitude and complexity of = the tasks=20 to be performed.

    Duties and responsibilities of the Regional Population Council:

    The RPC shall be responsible to the National Population Council = through the=20 Council's Executive Officer of the Region for:

     i) Determining the relevance of population related goals, = objectives=20 strategies and ensuring that such goals, objectives and strategies are = set=20 taking into account prevailing socio-economic realities in the Region = and=20 subdivisions;

     ii) Identifying unmet needs in the sphere of population = related=20 activities services and mobilizing regional and zonal resources for = the=20 purpose strengthening existing services and creating new ones where = they do=20 exist;

    iii) Issuing guidelines on ways and means of financing family = planning=20 service;

     iv) Consulting with the Office of Population in regard to = legislative=20 administrative measures to be taken at the regional level to make = delivery=20 more effectively accessible to the peoples of the regions;

     v) Submitting periodic reports to the Secretariat of the = National=20 Population Council.

    Duties and Responsibilities of the Regional Population Office:

    The Office will have the following duties and responsibilities:

    i) Serving as the secretariat of the Regional Population = Council,

    ii) Coordinating the activities of the various sectoral agencies=20 (governmental, non-governmental) undertaking population and = development=20 related activities at the regional and zonal levels,

    iii) Monitoring and evaluating population programs in the Zones, = promoting=20 regionally focused policy relevant research and undertaking research = on=20 population and development,

    iv) Establishing technical committees as required for the effective = implementation of the population policy at regional levels,

    v) Providing information as well as advisory and technical = assistance on=20 population matters to zonal population Office(s),

    vi) Organizing and carrying out events on population issues at = regional=20 levels,

    vii) Participating, actively, in the collection of data on = population and=20 development,

    viii) Stimulating community participation through effective = IEC,

    ix) Undertaking such activities as may be required by the Office of = Population at the National level.

    b) Structure at the Zonal Level:

    There shall be a Zonal Population Council (ZPC). The ZPC shall be = chaired by=20 the Executive Officer of the Zonal administration. The members of the = ZPC will=20 representatives of ministries/agencies responsible for Planning, = Education,=20 Health, and Social Affairs, Women's Affairs and Natural Resources and=20 Environmental Protection at the zonal level. There shall also be a zonal = office=20 for and shall be headed by a senior officer to be appointed by the head = of the=20 administration and who will also be a member of ZPC.

    Functions and Responsibilities of the Zonal Population=20 Council:

    Zonal Population Council shall be responsible to the Regional = Population=20 Council for the following:

     i) Ensuring that guidelines for the establishment and = effective=20 functioning of a system of registration of vital events - marriage, = birth,=20 death and migration- throughout the zone are in accordance with = principles and=20 formats stipulated by the National Population Council;

    ii) Establishing a system for the systematic mobilization of = population and=20 related data including those on unemployment and underemployment in = accordance=20 with principles and guidelines developed and provided by the National=20 Population Council;

    iii) Creating conditions that will stimulate and encourage = community=20 participation in population and related activities;

    iv) Submitting periodic reports to the Regional Council;

    v) Doing such other things as may be required of it by the National = Population Council;

     Duties and Responsibilities of the Zonal Population Office

    The Office will have the following duties and responsibilities:

     i) Serving as the secretariat of the Zonal Population = Council;

     ii) Coordinating, supervising and monitoring all population = and=20 development related activities in the Zone;

     iii) Assisting and facilitating the collection of data on = population=20 and development and reporting same to the regional population = office;

     iv) Ensuring that population related service providers = maintain=20 performance statistics in accordance with formats established by the = National=20 Population Council;

     v) Evaluating population programmes and activities in the = Zone;

     vi) Ensuring that the different bureau representatives at the = zonal=20 level and Wereda Committees comply with the National Population Policy = in the=20 management of programmes;

    vii) Establishing technical committees as required;

     viii) Providing information as well as advisory and technical = assistance population matters to wereda population units;

    ix) Organizing and carrying out public events (seminars, workshops, = etc)=20 population issues at the zonal and Wereda levels;

    x) Stimulating community participation through effective IEC;

    xi) Performing such other tasks as may be required by the regional = and=20 zonal councils.

    c) Structure at the Wereda levels

    At this stage of the development of the country it is difficult, if = not=20 impossible, to visualize specialized structural arrangements of any = meaningful=20 degree of complexity at the Wereda level, primarily because of the = difficulties=20 likely to be encountered in mobilizing the required technical expertise = at this=20 level. However, Chief executive officers at wereda levels may operate = through=20 wereda committees on population.

    Wereda Committees on Population and Related Activities

    The Wereda Committees shall be responsible to the wereda legislative = council=20 and the chief executive officer of the Wereda for:

    I) Enforcing laws concerning the establishment of population = registration=20 systems at the wereda level and ensuring their effective = functioning;

     ii) Mobilizing voluntary community participation and support = for=20 population and development related activities;

     iii) Establishing mechanisms by which the functions assigned = to them=20 are properly discharged;

     iv) Acquiring such technical and material resources from = governmental=20 and non-governmental agencies which will permit them to discharge = their=20 responsibilities as effectively as possible;

     v) Monitoring and supervising population and development = related=20 activities at their levels;

     vi) Facilitating the collection, compilation and reporting of = data on=20 population and development;

     vii) Organizing and carrying out public events (seminars, = workshops,=20 etc) on population issues at the wereda level;

    viii) Submitting periodic reports to the secretariat of the = ZPC;

    ix) Performing such other functions as may be required by the = regional and=20 zonal offices.

    7. FRAMEWORK FOR POLICY = AND PROGRAMME=20 IMPLEMENTATION

    In order to more clearly define the roles of the multiplicity of = agencies=20 that are involved in the development, implementation, monitoring and = evaluation=20 of programmes, the following organizational format is put in place = (SEE=20 FIGURES 1 and 2). There are three major sectors in this format. The = first is=20 the policy organ which comprise the Council of Ministers (COM), the = National=20 Population Council (NPC), the Regional Population Council (RPC) and the = Zonal=20 Population Council (ZPC). The second set comprises the Multi-sectoral = Technical=20 Committee and the various specialized task forces called upon to promote = technical backup to the policy organs and their secretariats that are=20 responsible implementation. The Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), the = Office=20 of Population (OP) and the various administrative and technical units at = various=20 levels constitute the executive organs.

    8. RESPONSIBILITIES = OF VARIOUS=20 GOVERNMENTAL AND NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS

    The share of each ministry in the implementation of policy and the = various=20 programmes emanating from the Population policy are described below.

    Ministry of Education

    * Introduce population and family life education in curricula of = junior and=20 senior secondary schools and in the higher institutions of = learning.

    * Expand Population and family life education and assist in basic = training=20 of IEC through the Educational Media Agency.

    * Study the factors militating against female participation in the=20 educational system and design appropriate corrective=20 measurements.

    Ministry of Information

    * Expand IEC by increasing appropriate air time.

     * Increase coverage of population related materials in the = print=20 media.

     * Provide training opportunities to journalists in Demography = and/or=20 population studies.

    * Strengthen media facilities for a better IEC.

    Ministry of Health

    * Strengthen and expand existing MCH programs

    * Provide FP services at all levels of the health service delivery=20 stations.

    * Strengthen reproductive health content in health education = programs

    * Strengthen and expand training of health personnel in = collaboration with=20 relevant institutions.

    * Set standards for the provision of family planning=20 services

    Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs

    * Establish mechanisms within the ministry that will permit the = collection=20 and representing of data concerning employment and = underemployment.

    * Monitor the implementation of legislation of fair hiring and = firing=20 practices in various sectors of the economy with particular reference = to=20 women.

    * Promote understanding of the humanitarian, economic, social and = cultural=20 implications of aging of the population for the development = process.

    * Introduce social services and educational programs to promote the = family=20 as integral unit for supporting the elderly.

    * Propose and stimulate action oriented programs aimed at = guaranteeing=20 social and economic security for the elderly as well as providing=20 opportunities for them to contribute and share the benefits of=20 development.

    * Integrate population and family planning elements in the home = economics=20 and other related activities.

    * Render counseling services for families in relation to family=20 planning.

    * Establish conducive population and family planning programs in=20 collaboration with governmental and non-governmental = agencies.

    Ministry of Housing and Urban Development

    * Keep track of trends of change in the demand for housing and = harmonize=20 the demand with population trends.

    * Design medium to long-term plans for the development of = intermediate=20 towns at cities in the context of general urban master plans to stem=20 uncontrollable rural urban migration.

    Ministry of Planning and Economic Development

    * Incorporate activities related to the implementation of the = population=20 policy in the national development plan.

    * Encourage and extend technical assistance to sectoral agencies in = the=20 integration of demographic variables in development processes.

    * Develop guidelines for the incorporation of these variables at = both micro=20 and macro planning levels.

    * Evaluate and monitor planning activities in the various sectors = for the=20 purpose of ensuring that the guidelines indicated above are taken into = consideration in their respective planning = activities.

    Ministry of External Economic Cooperation

    * Facilitating the mobilization of external resources for the = development=20 and implementation of population programs,

    * Monitor, evaluate and follow-up population = programmes.

    Ministry of Natural Resource Development and Environmental=20 Protection

    * Provide training and deploy environmental extension workers,

     * Formulate appropriate environmental education policies = particularly=20 addressed to ways and means of stimulating community participation in=20 environmental protection activities,

     * Develop sets of guidelines to be used by local communities = in their=20 efforts to use effective water and soil conservation measures and = restoring=20 list forest resources,

     * Extend technical assistance to regional, zonal and other = bodies to=20 promote effective performance in the areas listed = above.

    Ministry of Justice

    * Revise all laws, government and public practices pertaining to = population=20 and demographic issues, amend all legal provisions and practices that = have=20 heretofore militated against rational consideration and handling of = population=20 and related issues and formulate and enforce legislative measures = deigned to=20 be instrumental in eradicating all harmful customary practices such as = gender=20 (sex) discrimination,

    * Revise all laws, regulations, administrative measures and = practices=20 relative to population and related issues,

    * Ratify and fully incorporate international instruments and bill = of rights=20 into domestic laws,

    * Develop legal instruments that will remove restrictions against = personal=20 enjoyment of such important civil rights as access to information, = education,=20 employment, occupation, housing, health, etc.

    * Amend existing laws and ordinances that restrict the right of = individuals=20 families to regulate their family size.

    Ministry of Agriculture

    * Integrate population and family planning elements in agricultural = education, agricultural extension programs and services,

    * Promote female participation in rural areas in population = activities in=20 the context of general rural development programs,

    * Provide training to field staff in information dissemination,

    * Increase efforts at enhancing agricultural productivity to meet = the=20 growing den for food by a growing population.

    Ministry of Culture & Sports

    * Mobilize, for purposes of promoting population awareness, = traditional=20 folkloric, forming arts, as well as modern indigenous theatrical = institutions=20 and creative groups and individuals, at the national, regional and = community=20 levels,

    * Organize and encourage writers, theatrical and other performing = groups to=20 participate in the production of promotional literature and public=20 presentations at national regional and local levels.

     Addis Ababa University

    * Provide in-service training on issues related to population and=20 development collaboration with other agencies,

    * Provide trained manpower in demography/population studies for = managing=20 the various tasks related to the implementation of he population = policy,

    * Engage in varied research activities in the field of population = and=20 disseminated findings through appropriate media,

    * Assist in the monitoring and evaluation of programs designed to=20 facilitate the implementation of the population policy,

    * Provide advisory services in data collection, research,=20 etc.

    The Central Statistical Authority

    * Collect demographic data through Censuses and sample surveys,

    * Facilitate the establishment of vital registration systems,

    * Participate in the evaluation and monitoring of population = related=20 programs in collaboration with appropriate academic and research=20 institutions,

    * Determine patters and trends in gender specific activity rates = through=20 labor force sample surveys in both rural and urban areas in = collaboration with=20 appropriate academic and research institutes,

    * Determine trends in household consumption patterns of basic items = and=20 relate same with changes in household sizes in collaboration with = appropriate=20 academic and research institutions,

    * Publish and disseminate statistical data.

     Family Guidance Association of Ethiopia and Other = NGOs

    * Expand networks of family planning service delivery by increasing = the=20 number of family planning clinics and reaching out heretofore = unreached=20 communities with community based distribution and social marketing=20 systems,

    * Provide in-service training and contraceptive technology = workshops to=20 health personnel involved in family planning service delivery in = collaboration=20 with MOH and other agencies,

    * Operate controlled trials in new methods of contraception in=20 collaboration with medical research institutions and participating in = programs=20 of replication of methods of proven safety and utility,

    * Undertake Operational Research Activities in alternative methods = of=20 service delivery,

    * Introduce gender specific career counseling within the framework = of=20 existing counseling services.

    This home Page is = maintained by=20 Kibruyisfa Achamyeleh
    =A9=20 1997

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