The Impact of HIV/AIDS on Civil Society Development and Its Implication on Governance "The Case of Ethiopia"

Abstract

The impact of HIV/AIDS on civil society development and its implication on governance is a subject of considerable importance to the states of Sub-Saharan Africa including Ethiopia. The thesis whose theme focuses on high prevalence of HIV infection, low level of development of civil society and weak governance , this research intended as a scholarly effort to show the reason why this is so. With the purpose of exploring the challenges posed by HIV/AIDS to the functioning of civil society organizations and to examine the extent of damage done by HIV/AIDS to the civil society organizations; Based on empirical evidences from Ethiopia the study contributed to the understanding of how HIV/AIDS has created greater impact on the civil society organizations in Ethiopia and how its impact is reflected on their work both internally and externally. After presenting the research question and the research method of the thesis, focusing on civil society contribution towards improvement of governance, the theoretical part of this study has reviewed and examined empirical studies made regarding governance, civil society and health with particular emphasis on HIV/AIDS. Aspects that are often considered as relevant to development of civil society such as the social, economic and political situation of the country and selected cultural and political factors that help to promote or hamper civil society organizations in Ethiopia have been presented. Besides, HIV/AIDS prevalence in Ethiopia, the factors fuelling the spread of the epidemic and its impacts in various sector of the country has been assessed and described. Extending its scope, the study examined associational traditions of the Ethiopian society. The study has described the characteristics that are determinants of civil society s capacity to contribute to democratic process. Selected cultural and political factors that may help to promote or hamper civil society organizations are stated. In relation to that, the political environment and role of the state, political culture, the legal and regulatory environment and the economic policy which have shaped the form and character of individual organisations and the scope for civil society to engage in governance has been analyzed. The empirical study focuses on sub-Sahara Africa, with Ethiopia as specific context. A field work was conducted for three months in Ethiopia. The methodology used for data collection includes in depth qualitative interview and standardized questionnaire as well as formal and informal observations. The study result has indicated that while the majority of civil society organizations (CSOs) have a good understanding of the potential impact of HIV and AIDS on the communities with whom they work, very few have examined the impact of the epidemic on their own staff. Fewer CSOs have formulated even a basic response to the potential crisis that HIV and AIDS present.