BULE HORA UNIVERSITY
COLLEGE OF SOCIAL SCIENCE AND HUMANITIES
DEPARTMENT OF CIVICS AND ETHICAL STUDIES
CHALLENGES AND PROSPECTS OF YOUTH POLITICAL PARTICIPATION: THE
CASE OF BULE HORA TOWN, ETHIOPIA.
A SENIOR ESSAY SUBMITTED TO THE DEPARTMEMT OF CIVICS AND
ETHICAL STUDIES IN PARTIAL FULFULLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR
BACHLOR DEGREE OF ARTS (BA) IN CIVICS AND ETHICAL STUDIES
ADVISOR. BIRANU FANTAHUN.(MA)
BY
NAME
ID NO
1. ALGIYE WONDE………………………....2357/10
2. MIHIRET TAREKEGN………………….2309/11
3. TADEME JESSO……………. ………….2315/11
4. TEMAM HELO………………………….1100/05
APRIL :2021
BULE HORA :ETHIOPIA
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Table of Contents
CHAPTER ONE ................................................................. Ошибка! Закладка не определена.
1. Introduction ................................................................ Ошибка! Закладка не определена.
1.1. Back Ground of the study…………………………………………………………………………………………..2
1.2. Statement of the Problem………………………………………………………………………………………….3
1.3 Objectives of the Study ................................................................................................... 3
1.3.1 General Objective......................................................................................................... 3
1.3.2 Specific Objectives........................................................................................................ 3
1.4 Research Questions ......................................................................................................... 3
1.5. Significance of the Study ............................................................................................... 4
1.6 Scope of the Study........................................................................................................... 4
CHAPTER TWO……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..4
2. Review of Literature………………………………………………………………………………………………………..4
2.1 Defining Politics………………………………………………………………………………………………………...4
2.2 Defining Participation…………………………………………………………………………………………………5
2.3 Political Participation ...................................................................................................... 5
2.3.1 Types of Political Participation .................................................................................... 6
2.5 Challenges of Political Participation ............................................................................... 6
2.6 Prospects of Political Participation ................................................................................. 7
II
2.7 Youth Political Participation ........................................................................................... 8
2.8 Importance of Youth Political Participation.................................................................... 8
2.9 Youth Focused Explanation ............................................................................................. 9
2.10 Politics Focused Explanation…………………………………………………………………………..
CHAPTER THREE……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….10
3. METHODOLOGY……………………………………………………………………………………………………………10
3.1.Geographical locaton of study area and population .................................................... 10
3.1.1.Location ..................................................................................................................... 10
3.1.2 Population .................................................................................................................. 10
3.2.1 Method of stduy ......................................................................................................... 10
3.2.2 Research Design ......................................................................................................... 11
3.3 Sampling technique and sampling Size…………………………………………………………………………11
3.3.1 Sampling technique …………………………………………………………………………………………………11
3.3.2 sampling Size……………………………………………………………………………………………………………11
3.4 Source of Data…………………………………………………………………………………………………………….12
3.4.1 Source of Primary Data………………………………………………………………………………………12
3.4.2 Source of Secondary Data. …………………………………………………………………………………12
3.5 Tools of Data Collection……....................………………………………………………………………............12
III
3.5.1 Questioner………………………………………………………………………………..12
3.5.2. key informant interview…………………………………………………………………..12
3.5.3 focus group discussion …………………………………………………………………..13
3.5.4 Document’s Analyses…………………………………………………………..................13
REFERENCES ......................................................................................................................................... 113
IV
CHAPTER ONE
1. Introduction
1.1. Back Ground of the study
Political participation may describe any voluntary which influence election or public policy. It
may be as simple as casting ballot or it may mean running for office ,it may be intended to
influence the broad outlines of ,or it may be very specific ,seeking ,benefits for an individual
political participation drives from the freedom to speak out ,assemble and associate; the ability
to take part in conduct of public affairs; and the ability to register as candidate to campaign , to
be elected and to hold office of all levels of governments. (Shively ,1999;98)
Despite the majority of the focused being on the youth vote participation. However, extends
beyond simply exercising ones voting rights. It can include membership in political party or
grass roots organizations, work with NGOs running for office and writing about politics
(International institute for Democracy and Electoral, 2012).
Today many organizations work to increase youth participation internationally, regionally and
within specific countries. A large amount of this work as focused on civic education and voter
turnout. However, recent UN literature has recognized that youth participation goes beyond the
realm of education and voting(ibid)
The experience today in many African countries is such that Law levels of civic involvement and
political apathy remain a dominant feature among young people. Anecdotal evidence seems to
indicate that youth participation in political process is declining. This is reflected in the low
proportion of newly eligible voters who restorer, cast their ballot, and the wide spread attitude
among political elites that young people do not have sufficient political knowledge to be
included in national planning and decisions making process(ibid)
Although participation in election is only measure of civic participation, many African young
people especially in country side do not know how his /her political representative much less
knows about how to effectively influence politicians. Because many young people are less likely
to vote, their interests are less likely to be represented. It would appear that opting out of the
democratic process is an indication of the cynicism that young people feel about political people
involved in politics (Dahlia, 1996).
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One key factor in democratic politics is that young became accustomed to participation in
political processes in Africa through institution, civil societies, political parties, the act of voting,
expression of opinion between and during the election making regular contact with elected
representatives etc. The design of democracy by elite is not enough unless citizen’s especially
young people are engaged with diverse democracy process. Otherwise self-governance, political
participation, democracy might end up being no more than empty shell, devoid of substance
merely providing a veneer of democracy for dictators and authoritarian regimes. General youth
political participation in Africa when we compare with other continents is very low, because of
unwillingness of ruling party(ibid)
Different researcher indicate that there is variation between the level of participation among men
and women, young and adult, educated, and illiterate, urban and rural population’’ (Lynne 1994,
.139).
This research mainly focuses on the challenges and prospects of participation in politics of the
young people conducted in Bule Hora Town Ajrsa Fora Kebele youth administration office.
1.2. Statement of the Problem
This research has primarily focuses on the youth political participation in Bule Hora town Ajrsa
Fora Kebele one as well as focuses on the factors behind the level of actual participation in Bule
Hora town Ajrsa Fora Kebele, In Ethiopia as a general and in Bule Hora town Ajrsa Fora Kebele
one as a particular the level of participation was as its lower point for several reasons mainly due
to nature of government that existes through the centuries as there were absolute monarchies and
military government for 17 years, before it will be over thrown by EPRDF. But, for the past two
decades more or less there are visible sign of improvements in terms of participation though
there is much to be done towards strengthening participation skill. In Bule Hora town Ajrsa For
a the implementation of active political participation was the main problem, because most youth
do not involve activity in the political affairs. Only significant proportion of the youth have taken
part in, or are willing to engage in excise of political involvement such as registering, to vote,
voting being party member’s and legal demonstration or protest against unfair act policy of
government. on the other way,, youth have interest to against the action of government which is
unfair or without the societies consent. In Bule Hora town Ajrsa Fora Kebele populations, 15378
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are youth’s 6954 are males while 8424 are female. From these 13250 have participates in 2007
election and 8220of them were male while 5030 were female. As per we knowledge’s, no
previous researches were conducted on the challenges and prospects of youth political
participation in the study area. Therefore, the researcher will look to the challenges and prospects
of youth political participation in the studies will also make an attempt to vividly disclose the
reason behind the existing political participation as well as it explores the main reasons behind
the low motivation and participation of youth to take part in the political affairs. Finally, this
research attempts to contributes in fill the gap and to solve the problem in the town relates to the
youth political participation by identifies its challenges and prospects.
1.3 Objectives of the Study
The studies has both general and specific objectives
1.3.1 General Objective
The general objective of this studies is to assess the challenges and prospects of political
participation of Bule Hora town Ajrsa Fora Kebele youth administration office.
1.3.2 Specific Objectives
More specifically the studies aims to:  Examine the status of youth political participation Bule Hora town Ajrsa Fora
Kebele
 Assessing challenges that hinder political participation of young age.
 Explore the prospects of youth political participation in Bule Hora town Ajrsa
Fora Kebele.
1.4 Research Questions
1. What is the status of political Participation Bule Hora Town Ajrsa Fora Kebele?
2. What are the challenges that hinder active participation of youth in political arena?
3. What are the prospects of youth political participation in Bule Hora town Ajrsa Fora
Kebele?
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1.5. Significance of the Study
This studies will be have several significances. Among the its much it provides how the issues
of youth political participation are deaths in Bule Hora town Ajrsa Fora Kebele. Result of this
studies have be helpful to improve and promote the level youth political participation in Bule
Hora town Ajrsa Fora Kebele and also it is significance to solve the challenges of youth political
participation.
1.6 Scope of the Study
The scope of this studies will be delimits to Bule Hora town Ajrsa Fora Kebele which is found in
Oromia regional state, Ethiopia. In addition, the studies will be assess only the challenges and
prospects of youth political participation in particular because these challenges hinder so, many
youth in political participation in studies .
.
CHAPTER TWO
2. Review of Literature
2.1 Defining Politics
Politics is a practice even profession has always been the systematic organized hatreds. Politics requires
cooperation which enables individual to define them from attack or attacks others to produce goods or
bad, them to educate the youth or indoctrinate them with myths or platonic noble lies that facilitate the
exercise of power by some person over others (Diamond, 1994).
Politics is omnipresent in societies where resources are limited and valued passions such as wealthy
confirms status and soon are in variably scarce and insignificant distributed (Easton, 1992).
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2.2 Defining Participation
The term participation refers to decision making in deferent sector related to all sector. On the other hand,
participation in social science refers to different mechanisms for the public to express opinion and ideally
exert influences regarding political, economic, management, or other social decisions. Participatory
decision making can take place along any management and socio cultural activity (Glass, 1979).
The objectives of participation may be motivated from an administrative perspective or a citizen’s
perspective on the governmental, corporate or social level. From the administrative view point,
participation can build public support for activity. It can educate the public about an agency’s activity, as
well as facilitate use full information exchange regarding local condition. Furthermore, participation is
often legally mandated. From the citizen’s views point participation enables individuals and groups to
influence agency’s decision in a representational manner (Dorsey.1994).
2.3 Political Participation
The term political participation drive from the freedom to speak assembly and associate ;the ability to
take part in the conduct of public affairs, and the opportunities of public register as a candidate , to
campaign , to be elected and hold office at all levels of government (www.UN.org) .
Political scientists study political participation, because to in, participation is an ingredient of every
polity, large or small, whether the society is oligarchy or democracy someone must make political
decision and appoint up, hold and remove leaders. Those who fail to participate, whether out neglected or
excluded, are likely to enjoy less power than other men. Also not all who participate possess effective
power and those who do not participate cannot exercise or share power (Ramer, Romance and Simon,
2003).
Some philosopher claimed, in addition that participation benefit the participant as well as the larger
community. It enables people by giving them a sense of their own dignity and value, is it both rulers and
ruled to who needs to full fill their duties and responsibilities and have to develop broadens political
understanding (Render, 1958).
Generally, the term political participation will refer to these voluntary activities by which members of a
society share in the ruler, and directly/indirectly in the formation of public policy. The term “apathy”
refers to the state of withdrawal from activities like voting, seeking information, discussing and
protecting, attending, meeting and communicate with representation of public policy, as well as political
participation is any activity that shapes, affects, or involves the political sphere. Participation ranges from
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voting to attending orally to communities on act of terrorism. Politics is an activity through difference are
expressed and considered through politics, the collective welfare is supposed to be advanced and survival
of the whole communities protected (Ebenestien, 1957).
On the other hand, political participation is the active engagement by individual and group with the
governmental process that affect their lives. “Political participation is an important part of our society in
many ways because it directly affects our lives and the ways in which we are able to them (Zach, 2009).
2.3.1 Types of Political Participation
Types of political participation there are two types of politics such as formal and informal
politics, formal politics refers to the operation of constitutional system of government and
publicity defined institutions and procedure. Political parties, public policies or decisions
about war and foreign affairs
Would of all under category of formal politics view formal politics as something outside of
themselves, but that still affect their daily life. Informal politics is understood as forming alien
exercising power and protecting and advancing particular ideas or goals (Richards, 1989).
There are two types of political participation commonly such as conventional and
unconventional political participation (Kimberly, 1997).
.
2.5 Challenges of Political Participation
There are many challenges of political participation in the political process. Such as exclusive
political participation, in many countries the rights of women are enshrined in law and there are
no formal legal to women political participation in election and other political process and
political participation has traditionally been dominated by male that many women have found un
well coming or even hostile, this is basic political participation (Paulsen, 1993).
The other challenges of political participation are apathy which means that attribute lack of
participation in political life to apathetic citizens, liberal democracy lead to apathetic citizens
fostered by some sense of trust in elected representation and believe in political participation and
oppositional ways in talked their justified superior moral identity.
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Structural constraints are problem of political participation, which consists of any structure that
may inhibit access to public discourse opportunity or may systematically distort communication
in ways that privilege certain interest, voice, and meaning over others. Such structure or system
results in marginalization of minorities or alternative perspectives in ways that prevent equal
representation. Generally, there are many political participation problems related to poverty,
socio cultural problems.
2.6 Prospects of Political Participation
The prospects of political participation in electoral process involve much more than just voting.
political participation derived from the freedom to speak out ,assembly and associate the ability
to take part in the conduct of public affairs, and the opportunity to register as candidate , to
campaign , to be elected and to hold office at all levels of government as well as peoples are
participation in politics for the following prospective such as; they may be personally motivated
because of an event that changed their lives .they may be revised invitation to participate from
friends , organizations and political parties , candidates campaign (pittsburgn,2000).
The other prospects of political participation are; person/people often motivated to participate in
politics because they are targeted of mobilization of efforts by the political parties and interest
groups. They also can acquire the habits of participating politically through the process of
political socialization or have a life experience that prompts them to act. Political attitudes such
as civic duty and sense of political efficiency can influence a person’s decision to participate.
People may enjoy /seek personal gratification through political action; legal factor such as voter
registration requirement can impede participation (parettsburgh, 2000).
2.7 Youth Political Participation
Youth political participation means that the activity engagement of young people in all political
arena, throughout their own communities. It is used as a short hand or youth participation in any
forms, including decision making implementation of the political process. Youth political
participation also known as involvement of youth in politics has used by government agencies,
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researches, educator and others to define and examine the activity engagement of young people
in politics as well as in schools, sports governments, community development, and economic
activity (Brig,2005).There are different models of youth participation which can be followed
when attempting to get young people involved with decision making or acting for changing.
Marcia’s and Kurt DE backer present the triangle of youth participation. This suggests that
young people will actively engage with society when presented with three specific dimensions;
first they must have some things to challenge. Following this, they must feel they have capacity
to make different and finally must be able to connect with others in order to tackle the issue
effectively.
Hart’s Ladder of participation is model that can be used when developing and working on youth
participation projects. It aims to enable young people to take an active part in decision making,
and give them the opportunities to have a voice in society. Hart states there are 8 (eight) steps on
the “ladder of participation “such as; manipulation, decoration tokenism, young people assigned
but not informed young people are consulted and informed, Adult-initiated, shard power with
young people, young people lead and initiated action and young people and adult share decision
making.
2.8 Importance of Youth Political Participation
Since young people is productive force of country who can contribute allot through achieving over all
participating in different sectors to change in their country through all aspects, therefore youth political
participation is must for one country. Because they are today’s hope to administer their own country in to
all aspects with new force (www.acry,org.uk).
And youth political participation is the most common stated reason for involving young people’s
activity in decision making; it is young people’s right to be involved and have their voice heard
in decision, that will impact on them. Political participation of all citizens is essential to a healthy
democratic society, this is obviously including the participation of young people, by involving
youth in planning and management services can which remain relevant and effectives as they are
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based on young people’s reality as opposed to a professional’s perception and skill development
for young people.
Young people can gain huge amount of confidence from seeing their opinion and experiences
valued and directly contribute the positive change in their community. Many skills are also
developed which can directly lead to the improved, educational performances and better prospect
of gaining employment in the future.
The other youth political participation is depending on their interest and skills, youth influence
on political participation occur at various levels ranging from involvement through consultation
to share leadership. Utilization of meaningful youth political participation can contribute to
structuring programs, polices, and services that effect young people lives to adequately address
their needs and interests as well as benefiting and contributing to the success of political
participation (Dotter,2004).
There are four importance of youth political participation that are to be discussed as follows
2.10.1 Youth Focused Explanation
Youth focused explanations focused that or suggest that people fail to note because of ethics a
problem with individual example apathy or because of a particular characteristics associated with
individual (example their social class background). Those two problems decrease the level of
youth political participation as well as if there is a social class in the communities in equality of
communities related to all aspects. And if there are not the principles of democracy with the
world, youth political participation became decline (Kimberley, 2002).
2.10.2 Politics Focused Explanation
Politics focused explanation; argue that increasing the level of nonparticipation is consequence
of country’s updated letter to oral institutions and the failure of political parties to attract young
people. In this explanation if there is dictator government with in the country, there is
unemployment, poverty, scarcities of economy, lack of good governance and others. Therefore,
there is decline of youth political participation (Kimberley, 2002).
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CHAPTER THREE
3.MATERIALS AND METHOD
3.1 Geographical Location Of Study Area and Population
3.1.1 Location.
The area of the studies we choose is Bule Hora town Ajrsa Fora Kebele is one part of Bule Hora
town of West Guji Zone Of Oromia regional state of Ethiopia. This kebele Found on elevation
between 1500-2200 mean above sea level. The astronomical location of Bule Hora Woreda
Ajrsa For a Keble is absolutely located on latitude and longitude of 50,26′-5,52′N and 370, 55380, 52′E respectively. The Bule woreda is founded in 467 km South from Addis Abeba capital
city of Ethiopia
3.1.2.Population
Based on 2007 census conducted by central statistical agency, this kebele has total population
31557 of whom 14309 were men and 17248 were women ,of the kebele 15378 whom 6954
males and 8424 females are youths. The plurality of the habitat practiced 55.9% protestant,
38.57%Ethiopian Orthodox Church, 3.5% traditional belief and 1.47% are Muslim.
3.2. Research methodology and design.
3.2.1 method of the stduy
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This studies effectively gathers adequate and reliable information use both qualitative and quantitative
method or mixed approach. Because, qualitative method is very important for the researcher to clarify and
to get brief information about the challenges and prospects of youth political participation and due to the
non-numerical figure in the studies.
.
3.2.2. Research Design
Across sectional studies design will uses to assess the challenges and prospects of youth political
participation in Bule Hora town Ajrsa Fora Kebele which is one part of Bule Hora town in Oromia
Regional state in Ethiopia. The town have 8 kebeles from those the researcher will have select one kebele
which known as Ajrsa Fora kebele one particularly, because to cover all kebeles difficult do to lack of
time and finances, the researcher will be not get respondents together. The reasons that the researchers
select Ajrsa Fora kebele, to assess the challenges and prospect of youth political participation.
3. 3 Sampling Technique and sample Size
3. 3.1 Sampling Technique
Target population of this studies is from all Bule Hora town Ajrsa Fora Kebele youth which with
a focuses on specific case which is Ajrsa Fora kebele which have 15,378 youth whom 6954
males while 8424 are females. From the above youth Bule Hora town Ajersa Fora kebele have
shared 2014 youth whom 1071 and 943 are males and females respectively the remaining are for
other 8 kebeles. To conduct this studies, we have uses simple random sampling techniques with
an intention of avoiding personal bias.
3. 3 .2 Sample Size
The studies have be conduct’s on Bule Hora town Ajrsa Fora Kebele which have 1078 youths
whose are aged 18-35. Among those youths the researcher selectee’s 30 respondents from the
total youths 1078 are to investigate the challenges and prospects of youth political participation.
There are other Kebeles in the town but the reason that researcher chooses Ajrsa Fora kebele is
that Researcher will be have get full information in this kebele Because Bule Hora town Ajrsa
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Fora Kebele youth and sport Office is found in this town, therefore each Kebele youth,
representative are found in this office.
3.4 Source Data
In this studies the researchers have uses both primary and secondary data collections
3.4.1 Source of Primary Data.
Primary, data collection was collect’s from Bule Hora town Ajrsa Fora Kebele residents and officials
through questionnaires and interviews.
3.4.2 Source of Secondary Data.
In this studies researcher will be try to refer different materials which are related with this studies
such as; written documents, books, newspapers and magazines as well as websites
3.5 Tools Of Data Collection
The data gathering instrument were questioner, key informant interview, focus group discussion
and document analyses. The were questioner, key informant interview, focus group discussion
and document analyses were distributes to purposively selected group respondents.
3.5.1 Questioner.
Questioner are one of the search tools uses to gather information, from the large
number of respondents. The questioners is a uses full instrument which is a widely
uses for collecting survey information and have be advantage for researcher
together reliable and valid data.
3.5.2. key informant interview
An interview is one of research tools uses to collect straight forward information in
a real situation. In interview is as form of asks and answers questions which
involves conduct an intensive interview with a small number of research
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participants to elect information to achieves a holistic understands of the
interviewer’s point of situation.
3.5.3 focus group discussion
The research will be uses a group discussion in voluntary on youth’s of political
participation of bule hora twon ajrsa for a kebele
3.5.4 Document’s Analyses.
For the realization of the studies, both
quantitative and qualitative method
document analyses will be uses. Quantitative document which gathers from
questionnaire will be analyzes in the descriptive way and present through table and
parentage an other hands qualitative information was obtain from respondent and
interpret.
REFERENCES

Dahlia, S. (1996-2010) African Electoral Institute for Sustainable Democracy. Loges

qu

Dorsey, A. (1994). Public Involvement in Government Decision Making.

Dotter, (2004) Strengthening Youth Involvement in Politics. New work

Easton, (1992).Introduction to Comparative Politics, Political challenges

Glass, J, J. (1979) Citizen Participation in planning the relationship between objectivism

Kimberly (1997) uncivil war political campaign in media. Boston

Paulsen R (1993) Specifying the Relationship between Social ties and Activism.
Hampton
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
Richards (1989) Society and State Political Participation.Boston press.

Renderm.J (1998) Introduction to Political Thought. London.

Shivelly.P(1998) Power and choice. MC Brawn College,Boston.
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