The Politics of Environment in Ethiopia: The Policies and Practices Appraisal Since 1991

Abstract

This article analyzes the Ethiopian environmental policy and practices since 1991. This paper employs a set of principles and frameworks that Weimer &Vining developed as grand principles of environmental policy and practices. The review is an attempt to analyze the international environmental engagements of Ethiopia vis-a-vis the domestic environmental policy practices. To properly address the issue, qualitative research approach and content analysis design are employed. The review consulted a multiple of secondary sources from different institutions and organizations. From the bulk of literature and policy documents, Ethiopia is an internationally visible country on environmental campaigns more than countries with better domestic achievements on the environmental protection. Unlike the international political leadership for green economy and environmental protection, the country’s domestic performances are not fully translated due to policy gaps, institutional dissonance and lack of political will and commitment. Hence, the environmental issues of Ethiopia serve the political agenda than the genuine environmental concern. The research implies the following areas of intervention. Namely, (1) the government needs to work on revising policy documents that correct environmental policy inconsistency. (2) It should also enhance the capacity, efficiency and institutional harmony of environmental protection agencies to realize the environmental goals of the country. (3) The government should give a political will and commitment to the domestic environmental issues like its international commitment and visibility.