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Fourth Congress of the Association of African Historians

        22-25 May 2007

 

Commercial Sex workers indigenous to Addis Ababa 

FSS launches a radio program in Debub 

 Understanding the dynamics of resettlement in Ethiopia 

FSS Appoints New Executive Director

Instability damages the development of Ethiopian Airlines

Conference exploring options for making the tenure regime a force of  development

Runaway population growth root cause of food insecurity: Study 

FSS organizes Inter-generational Transfer of Knowledge

FSS kicks off research project on Differential land taxation 

Researcher calls for a new search for tenure security  

Ethiopia: Democratic Reform a New Phenomenon, Says Think-Tank;

Ethiopia  promises land with little promise

President Girma calls for issuing uniform land use policy

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fostering Policy Dialogue and Research

Latest News

Good Governance and Democracy in Ethiopia

With a view to fostering a critical debate around governance and development in Africa, the Forum for  Social Studies and Heinrich Boll Foundation are launching a series of lectures entitled "Good Governance and Democracy in Africa".

The first guest speaker in the series was Dr. Kojo Busia, Officer-in-Charge, APRM Support Unit at UNECA. Dr. Busia's title was 'The African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM): A new Approach to Strengthening Governance Institutions and Systems in Africa.' He highlighted the need for creating a working environment ensuring the increased involvement of African civil society in the APRM process.   

In his opening remark, Executive Director of Forum for Social Studies, Prof. Bahru Zewde, said such public lecture series would help raise awareness on conflict resolution and poverty alleviation among others, in Africa enhancing the sharing of experiences among Africans  in how to solve their problems.

The lecture was held at Hilton Hotel, Addis Ababa, on 22 June 2007, starting from 6:00 PM (15:00 GMT).

The 4th Congress of the Association of African Historians held from 22-25 May 2007 in Addis

More than 150 pertinent scholars from within and outside Africa have gathered here in Addis Ababa in the 4th Congress of the Association of African Historians (AAH) which was held May 22 - 24, 2007. read more

A "National conference on Academic Freedom in Ethiopian Higher Education Institutions" was held from 26th -27th April 2007, at Semen Hotel, Addis Ababa. The Conference in its final deliberation draws Recommendation. Click here

IGTK Public Discussion on Banking in Ethiopia

The Forum for Social Studies organized a public discussion on the development of the banking sector in Ethiopia. The discussion, which was launched under FSS’ Intergenerational Transfer of Knowledge (IGTK) series, featured a public lecture (in absentia) by the prominent Ethiopian banker, Ato Teferra Degife. It was held at the Hilton Hotel on 18th May 2007. read more

 "Emperor regime laid the foundation for good governance"

The Emperor period laid a historical foundation for better industrial relations by gradually dumping the then slave-master type relation, says a scholar who contributed a lot in modernizing industrial laws during the 1950’s.    

While lecturing at FSS’s Inter-generational Transfer of Knowledge program, Ambassador Tefera Haileselassie, who had served at senior posts at the civil service and diplomatic posts during  the Emperor Haileselassie’s and the Derg period respectively, said the foundation for good governance in the industrial sector contributed to the development of the economy.  Read more (Amharic)

Tsion Michael Andom shares knowledge and life at FSS IGTK forum (read Amharic version) PDF 366KB

As part of its Inter-Generational Knowledge Transfer program series, the Forum for Social Studies (FSS), organized on Friday (January 12, 2007) a forum entitled, “The Contribution of Women to Development.” read more

FSS reveals its preliminary findings on Decentralization Policy

December 19, 2006 FSS has been conducting a research focusing on the Ethiopian Government's decentralization policy since June 2006.

The study covers four main Regional States namely; Oromiya, Amhara, Tigraye and SNNP as well as in two selected Zones in Addis Ababa. The findings of its preliminary report were revealed on December 19, 2006 at Addis Ababa Ghion Hotel at 8:30 AM.

Researchers, government representatives, Regional officials and experts, representatives of partner organizations and the civil society as well as concerned bodies were part of the gathering.  Click here to read Amharic press release PDF 84kb      English version

The Fourth African Historians Historian Association to be held in Addis

Over 70 pertinent scholars from within and outside Africa will gather here in Addis Ababa in the 4th Congress of the Association of African Historians (AAH) due to be held May 22 - 24, 2007. Read more

"Emperor regime laid the foundation for good governance"

The Emperor period laid a historical foundation for better industrial relations by gradually dumping the then slave-master type relation, says a scholar who contributed a lot in modernizing industrial laws during the 1950’s.    

While lecturing at FSS’s Inter-generational Transfer of Knowledge program, Ambassador Tefera Haileselassie, who had served at senior posts at the civil service and diplomatic posts during  the Emperor Haileselassie’s and the Derg period respectively, said the foundation for good governance in the industrial sector contributed to the development of the economy.  Read more (Amharic)

Tsion Michael Andom shares knowledge, life experience at FSS IGKT forum
As part of its Inter-Generational Knowledge Transfer program series, the Forum for Social Studies (FSS), organized on Friday (January 12, 2007) a forum entitled, “The Contribution of Women to Development.” 
Friday’s guest speaker was Tsion Michael Andom who, among other attributes, is a pioneer in fashionably designing and promoting Ethiopian cultural dress. Tsion shared the audience her experience 25 years ago. more
 

Historical Overview of Malaria Eradication in Ethiopia

The Forum for Social Studies (FSS) held its tenth Public Lecture Series on November 17 at 6:00 PM at the Hilton Hotel, Ibex Nyala Hall. The theme of the dialogue was “Historical overview of Malaria Eradication Activities in Ethiopia”. 

Dr. Tena Abera, who has extensive experience in the field, was the guest speaker. He discussed, among others, his experience in the field and the efforts of malaria eradication during the period of the Imperial Era. more  

Harvesting water will boost Ethiopia’s growth

An environment researcher has said that Ethiopian farmers should make use of water harvesting to deal with the problems caused by irregular rainfall in the East Africa country’s highland areas. More

FSS marks its first Partner's Day

The Forum for Social Studies (FSS), an independent policy-oriented research institution, said it has been organizing forums aimed at enabling the public discuss various policies and draft laws designed by the government. more

FSS held its second round Inter-Generational Transfer of Knowledge (IGTK)

TEFF farmlands escalate soil erosion

An environmental researcher says that a significant volume of social is being eroded in Ethiopia annually. Utilization of alternative agriculture methods and changing feeding habits play significant role to ensure food security and conserve natural resources.

Environment researcher with Forum for Social Studies (FSS), Dr Daniel Kassahun told ENA that over 84 million tons of soil is eroded annually from teff farms particularly in northern and central Ethiopia. more

FSS held its eighth Inter-generational Transfer of Knowledge 

Ato Getachew Mahtem-SelassieThe Forum for Social Studies (FSS) held its eighth Public Lecture Series. The theme of the dialogue was “Urban Planning: The case of Addis Ababa on Friday 14, April 2006 at 6:00 PM at the Hilton Hotel.   

Ato Getachew Mahtem-Selassie, a landscape architecture, the guest speaker had discussed, among others, his experience in the field and the first Master Plan of Ethiopia. Getachew told the gathering about the visions and predicaments of urban planning during the Emperor Hailesellassie Era. 

The overarching goal of the proposed Lecture Series is to promote inter-generational transfer of knowledge.  Every two months the program features some of the senior and experienced citizens to share their knowledge and experience with the young generation.  

FSS believes this kind of lectures would help to boost the efforts in combating poverty and promote development management.

Commercial Sex workers indigenous to Addis Ababa 

Poverty and the Social Context of Sex Work in Addis Ababa

Bethelehem Tekola on the Launch of her Monograph

Unlike the situation a few decades ago, commercial sex inAddis Ababa has increasingly become an occupation of women born and brought up in the city, a study reveals. 

The new study, “Poverty and the Social Context of Sex Work in Addis Ababa’, by Bethelehem Tekola, indicates that more than 50% of the women who are engaged in the sex trade are born and grew up in the city.  

The expansion of urban poverty over the last three decades and the further socio-economic complications are the main reasons that the sex workers are indigenous to the city, says the paper published by the Forum for Social Studies (FSS). Read More

FSS launches a development-oriented radio program in Debub 

FSS has launched a development-oriented radio program called “Jember” via the South Nations and Nationalities Peoples FM 100.9. The weekly 30 minutes program is on air beginning Sunday January 22, 2006, from 10:30 AM – 11:00 AM.  

The goal of the FSS’ radio program is to develop educational programs promote development in the region helping to mobilize public participation and take up of development activities.  This could be viable through disseminating multiple views and information through the programs to reach a large population to promote positive dialogue and change. read more 

       Understanding the dynamics of resettlement in Ethiopia 

From left to right; Dr. Gebre, Dr. Kassahun, Dr. Alula & Dr. AssefaA day-long workshop aimed at understanding the process and outcomes of the Ethiopian Federal Government resettlement program, which has relocated several hundred thousand people since 2003, has been held on Monday 19 December at Hilton Hotel. 

Case studies carried out by the Forum for Social Studies in collaboration with staff and graduate students of Addis Ababa University in 11 sites of the Amhara, Oromia, SNNPR and Tigray regions were presented at the workshop.

To read the summary of the papers presented at the conference click here.

FSS organizes its sixth Inter-generational Transfer of Knowledge

Ato Negash Gebre Mariam

 

The Forum for Social Studies (FSS)  held its sixth Public Lecture Series. The theme of the dialogue was “Journalism and Development in Ethiopia: A personal Experience as of 1950’s” on Friday 18, November 2005 at 6:00 PM at the Hilton Hotel. more  

 

FSS Appoints New Executive Director

FSS is pleased to announce the appointment of Prof. Bahru Zewde as its new Executive Director to replace Dessalegn Rahmato who has served the institute for nearly a decade.

Prof. Bahru Zewde is one of the founders of the FSS and had served the Forum as Board Chairman for two terms until recently.

Bahru Zewde is also Resident Vice-President of the Organization for Social Science Research in Eastern and Southern Africa (OSSREA) and Editor of the Africa Review of Books.

He is Emeritus Professor of History at Addis Ababa University. He has authored several books and articles, most notably A History of Modern Ethiopia 1855-1991 (Second Edition) and Pioneers of Change in Ethiopia: The Reformist Intellectuals of the Early Twentieth Century. His edited books include: Ethiopia: The Challenge of Democracy from Below (with Siegfried Pausewang) and Between the Jaws of Hyenas: A Diplomatic History of Ethiopia 1876-1896 (by Richard Caulk).

He has served as Chair of the Department of History at Addis Ababa University (1982-1986) and Director of the Institute of Ethiopian Studies at the same University (1993-1996).

Instability damages the development of Ethiopian Airlines

Col. Simeret MedhanePolitical instabilities and uncertainties are vices that hamper the growth of Ethiopia's celebrated corporate entity: Ethiopian Airlines. In its 60-year history, the company's growth was slowed twice in the mid 1970s and early 1990s. 

At public discussion held at the Hilton Hotel on Friday, September 23, 2005, Col. Semeret Medhane, current board member and the first Ethiopian chief of the airline said the most critical period was in the 1970s when the 1974 revolution ousted Emperor Hailesellasie, whom he commended for realizing the importance of an airline for a landlocked country such as Ethiopia. more

Conference exploring options for making the tenure regime a force of  development

Partial view of the conferenceThe land issue has continued to be a significant issue and aDr. Daniel Kassahun FSS' Environment Researcher while presenting his paper at the conference challenge to the development effort of the country. But the debate on land has become bogged down on the subject of private versus public ownership which left out a wide array of important issues that have major significance for the development effort. 

A day long conference aimed to move away from this stalemate argument towards a more fruitful dialogue exploring options for making the tenure regime a force for development has been held at the Hilton Hotel, on August 5, 2005. more

Runaway population growth root cause of food insecurity: Study 

Ethiopia’s food security challenges are multi-faceted and require a multi-sectoral approach. However, a new study argues, the root cause of the problem is its ‘runaway population growth’. 

The article published on the recent Bulletin of the Forum for Social Studies (FSS) says demographic pressure in combination with aggravating environmental degradation and economic malaise creates ‘a dangerous situation to the health of the country’s citizens.’ more

FSS organizes Inter-generational Transfer of Knowledge

The Forum for Social Studies launches a Public Lecture Series to promote inter-generational transfer of knowledge.  The program will feature some of the senior and experienced citizens to share their knowledge and experience with the young generation. more

FSS kicks off research project on Differential land taxation 

FSS begins a new Research Project on Differential land taxation, " Towards the Development of Environment-friendly Agricultural Land Taxation System in Ethiopia."

The project proposal, designed by Daniel Kassahun, PhD, Environment Researcher at FSS, takes a new angle of policy strategy to implement sustainable land management practices which could systematically regulate the current degradation problem in Ethiopia.  Read Executive Summary of the Project Proposal

Researcher calls for a new search for tenure security  

Despite the new initiatives underway, in particular user right documentation, tenure insecurity still remains the overriding problem of the land system in Ethiopia and if the country is to address the complex problems of rural development and natural resource management a sustained and informed debate on the land issue, based on research and the views of the stakeholders, is necessary, says Dessalegn Rahmato, a leading researcher in the field. more

Ethiopia: Democratic Reform a New Phenomenon, Says Think-Tank;

Democratic reform is a new phenomenon in Ethiopia, despite a history stretching back over 3,000 years, and has been largely driven by local pressure rather than by the international community, a new report says. more

Ethiopia  promises land with little promise

When Ethiopia's government decided last year to relocate 2 million struggling farmers and save them from the country's cycle of starvation, the desperate villagers here signed up as pioneers in the effort. As they climbed aboard a truck headed for more fertile land, they sang and danced in celebration. more

President Girma calls for issuing uniform land use policy

President Girma Wolde-Giorgis said the government needs to issue a uniform land policy in order to be able to protect land degradation. more

                                                               

 

 

 

 

 

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