The contributions and challenges of civil society in development and governance in context of the post-1991 developmental state of Ethiopia

Abstract

The primary objective of this study was to analyse the contributions and challenges of civil society in governance and development and state-civil society relations in context of the post-1991 contemporary Ethiopia. To achieve this objective a mixed method approach was used where data from qualitative sources were embedded into the quantitative sources and analysed. To understand the role of civil society and state-civil society relations in the post-1991 period of Ethiopia, three periods were considered (i.e., 1991 to 2004; 2005 to 2017 and 2018 to date) due to the shift in the enabling environment of civil society over these periods. Factors such as external context and internal context were considered and analysed. The role of civil society in development and governance was analysed considering the three major operational areas of civil society (i.e., advocacy, services delivery, and watchdogging). State-civil society relation was also examined focusing on different parameters. The analysis was conducted by way of comparison based on the three periods using Friedman‘s Analysis of Variance. Both the external and internal contexts were found to be conducive and better during the first and third periods while it was not enabling during the second period. The role of civil society in service delivery was found to be similar and better in all the three periods, but in terms of advocacy and watchdogging it was better during the first and third periods while it was completely paralysed during the second period. Regarding state-civil society relations, the first period was characterised by cooperation between the state and civil society, but the relationship lacked the principles of engagement and formality. During the second period, the relationship was characterised by confrontation and even denial of rights-based civil society. The third period was characterised by cooperation and a smooth relationship. Finally, regarding the non-formal institution, i.e., Iddir, it has been an essential institution that not only plays a complementary role to formal civil society but also contributes to development and governance in its own right. However, Iddir‟s potential for contribution has been constrained by lack of attention and support from the government. Based on the findings of the study, recommendations are made to concerned actors including the government, the formal civil society organisations and the non-formal civil society - Iddir.