An Eritrean Perspective of Africa's Potential for Indigenous, Independent Food Sustainability Tewelde W
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb
Walden University ScholarWorks Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Collection 2017 An Eritrean Perspective of Africa's Potential for Indigenous, Independent Food Sustainability Tewelde W. Tesfagabir Walden University Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations Part of the Public Administration Commons, and the Public Policy Commons This Dissertation is brought to you for free and open access by the Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Collection at ScholarWorks. It has been accepted for inclusion in Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies by an authorized administrator of ScholarWorks. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Walden University College of Social and Behavioral Sciences This is to certify that the doctoral dissertation by Tewelde Tesfagabir has been found to be complete and satisfactory in all respects, and that any and all revisions required by the review committee have been made. Review Committee Dr. Anthony Leisner, Committee Chairperson, Public Policy and Administration Faculty Dr. Gloria Billingsley, Committee Member, Public Policy and Administration Faculty Dr. Meena Clowes, University Reviewer, Public Policy and Administration Faculty Chief Academic Officer Eric Riedel, Ph.D. Walden University 2017 Abstract An Eritrean Perspective of Africa’s Potential for Indigenous, Independent Food Sustainability by Tewelde Tesfagabir MPA, Strayer University, 2008 BS, Asmara University, Eritrea, 1990 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Public Policy and Administration Walden University July 2017 Abstract Food insecurity in Africa is a threat to future generations because many countries rely on potentially unsustainable food policies. Eritrea’s indigenous food sustainability policy has not been explored or analyzed in a scholarly manner. This qualitative case study analyzed the effectiveness of the current policy of food sustainability without relying on foreign food aid in Eritrea. The main research question addressed relates to how Eritrean irrigation farmers understand and implement the Eritrean government’s food sustainability policy. The theoretical framework for this study, Kingdon’s policy stream, set the agenda for a policy of sustainable indigenous Eritrean agricultural development without food aid. I have collected data by conducting semistructured interviews with 15 farmers who each have at least 7 years’ experience providing food for their own families. Data from the interviews was audio recorded, transcribed, reviewed by the interviewees for increased credibility and reliability, translated in to English, and emergently coded and categorized for theme and pattern analysis. This study`s findings contain important lessons relative to advancing food self-sufficiency in Eritrea. The implications for social change across Africa may include informing practitioners and policymakers of the importance of applying appropriate policies to encourage food self-sufficiency. An Eritrean Perspective of Africa’s Potential for Indigenous, Independent Food Sustainability by Tewelde Tesfagabir MPA, Strayer University, 2008 BS, Asmara University, Eritrea, 1990 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Public Policy and Administration Walden University July 2017 Dedication This study is dedicated to my father, Weldeghebriel Tesfagabir, who passed away this year as I prepared to complete my study, for the values of hard work, discipline, resolve, and kindness he instilled in me. I would also dedicate this study to my loving mother for her unflinching love and for showing me the importance of education at my childhood age. Of course, I dedicate this study to my lovely wife, Almaz Tekle. By her continued support and unwavering love, she encouraged me to make this dream a reality, and to my beautiful and brilliant daughters, Semai and Kumel, for their tender love and sacrifice. Acknowledgments I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the chair of my dissertation committee, Dr. Anthony Leisner, for his continuous support, for his patience, motivation, and immense knowledge. His guidance helped me in all the research and supported me as I finalized my study. I cannot imagine having a better advisor and mentor for my Ph.D. study. I also would like to thank committee member and methodology expert Dr. Gloria Billingsley for her passionate and insightful comments and encouragement, which encouraged me to widen my research from various perspectives. I would also thank my URR, Dr. Meena Clowes, and program director, Dr. Ben Tafoya, for contributing to the quality of my research through a supportive environment of committee members. In addition, to all my family members, friends, and university staff who have supported me along the way, thanks for all your encouragements. Table of Contents List of Tables .......................................................................................................................v List of Figures .................................................................................................................... vi Chapter 1: Introduction to the Study ....................................................................................1 Background of the Study ...............................................................................................6 Problem Statement .........................................................................................................8 Purpose of the Study ....................................................................................................10 Research Questions ......................................................................................................11 Theoretical Framework ................................................................................................11 Sustainable Agricultural Development Free of Foreign Food Aid ........................11 Narrative Policy Analysis ......................................................................................14 Nature of the Study ......................................................................................................15 Definitions....................................................................................................................18 Assumptions .................................................................................................................19 Scope and Delimitations ..............................................................................................20 Limitations ...................................................................................................................21 Significance of the Study .............................................................................................21 Significance to Practice..........................................................................................21 Significance to Theory ...........................................................................................22 Significance to Social Change ...............................................................................22 Summary and Transition ..............................................................................................23 Chapter 2: Literature Review .............................................................................................25 Literature Search Strategy............................................................................................25 i Theoretical Foundation ................................................................................................26 Food Self-Reliance.......................................................................................................28 Defining and Conceptualizing Foreign Food Aid ........................................................29 The Global Context for Eritrea’s Food-Sustainability Crisis ......................................33 Case in Point: Eritrea ...................................................................................................37 Africa With and Without Foreign Aid .........................................................................38 Food Dependency Versus Food Self-Sufficiency in Africa ........................................42 Agricultural Challenges in Africa ................................................................................45 Drought and Attempts to Ameliorate Its Effects ...................................................45 Pests and Diseases..................................................................................................46 Other Challenges and Responses ...........................................................................46 Food Self-Sufficiency in Eritrea ..................................................................................47 The Future of African Food Self-Reliance ..................................................................49 Summary and Conclusions ..........................................................................................50 Chapter 3: Research Method ..............................................................................................53 Introduction ..................................................................................................................53 Research Questions ................................................................................................53