Thesis Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Science in Global Sustainability Science Of “Vampires”, “Sweet Promises”, and Contested Developments: Frame-Analysis of Development Projects in the Omo Valley, Ethiopia Submitted by: Rebecca Gerigk Leuphana matriculation number: 3029324 ASU ID: 1212103462
[email protected] Am Iflock 4a 21335 Lüneburg, Germany Examined by: Prof. Dr. Daniel Fischer (Erstprüfer, Co-Chair of the committee)
[email protected] Leuphana University of Lüneburg Universitätsallee 1, C11.411 21335 Lüneburg, Germany Prof. Dr. Rimjhim Aggarwal (Zweitprüferin, Co-Chair of the committee)
[email protected] Arizona State University PO Box 875603 Tempe, AZ 85287-5603, USA Prof. Dr. Jennifer Hodbod (Member of the committee)
[email protected] Michigan State University 480 Wilson Road Room 310B East Lansing, MI 48824, USA Submitted on: June 27, 2018 1 Of “Vampires”, “Sweet Promises”, and Contested Developments: Frame-Analysis of Development Projects in the Omo Valley, Ethiopia Abstract: Hydroelectric dams, often part of larger development programs in developing countries are characterized by conflicting interests of stakeholder groups, emblematic for the contested nature of development. Because of these different interests, stakeholders develop different evaluations of such projects, that can be understood as frames of events and projects. Frames are “the different ways of understanding or representing a system" (Leach et al. 2010 b). In this article, I analyze frames stake- holders use to convey a distinct perspective on problems, root causes, solutions, and benefits associ- ated with the hydroelectric Gibe III dam and accompanying sugarcane plantations in the Omo Valley, Ethiopia. I found that stakeholders use contrasting frames and narratives to describe the projects, but partially also propose mutual solutions.