Journal of Social Welfare and Human Rights

Development of, by and for the People: The Missing Link in the Development Trajectory of Ethiopia
Kebene K. Wodajo

Abstract
The paper explores the place of the ‘people’ in the development trajectory of Ethiopia and if and how a human development could be realised. By inquiring into the place of the ‘people’, the paper attempts to show whether the people are at the centre or at the periphery, beneficiary or victims of the ongoing development. By asking if and how a human development approach to development could bridge the gap, the paper shows how this approach could translate ‘people’s’ need into right, and recognise them as active subjects and stakeholders of the process of development. To substantiate the doctrinal analysis, the paper uses empirical evidence and the Lower Omo Valley (LOV) sugar plantation project as a case in point. Through analysis, the paper demonstrates that the development trajectory being followed by Ethiopia falls short of satisfying the human development discourse of UN Declaration on the Right to Development (DRD), the African Charter on Human and People Rights (the African Charter) and the Ethiopian constitution. The paper argues that Ethiopia’s development efforts must take account of both the constitutive and prescriptive nature of the RTD if social equity is to be met.

Full Text: PDF     DOI: 10.15640/jswhr.v4n2a3