Population Policy Implementation in Amhara State

by Hailu Tsigie

The beginning of the population policy implementations into meaningful outcomes across the entire nation since its adoption in 1993 is an important milestone of human development in the history of the country. National as well as state level efforts to fight the growing pressure of population bulge have become part of a usual struggle to make a difference in the life of the people. Population bureaux in the states in collaboration with other government as well as non-government bodies are working with increased concern battling to avert the course of the growth as to maintain an even population environment.

The Amhara State Population Department within the Planning and Economic Development Bureau is one of the government bodies which took over duties in population affairs and this reporter talked to the head of the department, Ato Yirgu Tolla about activities there.

The Amhara State is the second populous region in the country next to Oromia with a population of 15.9 million. According to the population department's report high fertility with 6.76 total fertility rate (TFR) and land degradation are among the major concerns of the state. Therefore, it was not debatable to carry out population activities to support the development efforts in the region.

Following the proclamation of the National Population Policy an institution that coordinates the implementation of population activities was organized, first under the Bureau of Planning and Economic Development (BOPED) as one unit and later as one department of the bureau, according to Ato Yirgu Tola.

Since then, he said staff training both in the country and abroad has been given for more than eleven workers including from sector bureaux. Training abroad has been given for three staff members in Indonesia, Kenya and Egypt.

Moreover the population department has been provided with different types of office equipment including the latest computers, and one vehicle have been acquired, mainly from external funding organizations through the National Office of Population.

With regard to activities of advocacy, Ato yirgu mentioned that in order to facilitate the smooth implementation of population activities it was necessary to create awareness among the policy and decision makers, planners and programme implementers at different levels of the regional tiers. Therefore, with the support of NOP it was possible to carry out one regional and six zonal/woreda workshops in six major towns of the state, where more than 400 civil servants have participated, he said. Also with the help of the forum opened by the Regional Management Training Center in Bahir Dar it was possible to introduce the population issues and policy for more than 1000 people which include farmers, religious groups and programme implementing agencies.

One of the best achievements of the state in population programme according to the head of population department is the activities undertaken among adolescents especially in high schools' "population clubs". The 28 major high schools found in the state have established and/or strengthened school "population clubs".

Speaking of their support to these clubs, Ato Yirgu noted the school headmasters, student councilors and club representatives of all the 28 schools have been trained in population issues particularly in adolescent reproductive health issues. Minor supports like stationery and bulletins have also been distributed to these schools.

According to Ato Yirgu maternal mortality and morbidity in the region is believed to be among the 'highest' in the world. Because of the high fertility rate as was observed in few zones like west Gojam and Oromia, a Total Fertility Rate (TFR) of 7.76 and 7.79 respectively, the problems draw attention of the state government as a major cause of maternal health problem of the state. Mother and Child Health (MCH) and other Reproductive health service are thus provided in almost all publicly owned health institutions, nine hospitals, 52 health centers, 531 clinics and 130 health posts according to the report of the Population Department.

Speaking of family planning, one of the areas of population activity, Ato Yirgu stated that both public as well as NGO's particularly branches of Family Guidance Associations (FGAE) and German GTZ are providing service to the needy community. Realities indicate that the contraceptive prevalence rate (CPR) which was less than 4% in 1993 has increased to more than 11% in 1998. Even this figure in some weredas is approaching to 20%. However, according to Ato Yirgu, this figure is not to be boasted about where the unmet need is believed to be much higher than the actual service provided by the concerned institutions.

Integrating population variables into development planning was another area of population activities in the region. In 1997 a four-day training programme, organized by population unit of MEDaC was given for around 40 planning experts both from the state as well as zonal offices working in education, agriculture and planning sectors. Similar trainings have also been conducted by the state population Department for 15 regional as well zonal planning experts from all zones of the state, according to the department's report.

With regard to population data, Ato Yirgu noted that the main source of population data for the region is the 1994 national census result published by Central Statistical Authority. However, he indicated that due to the geographical re-organization undertaken after 1994 compounded with the need for more detailed information on population data it was found necessary to re-organize the census data to satisfy the need of the region. A voluminous 300 pages demographic report has been prepared and are distributed to users.

For the past three years the world Population Day, which is celebrated on July 11 every year, has been colourfully celebrated in all zonal towns including in Bahir Dar. Official gatherings, banners, bicycle ride, drama and other artistic shows were part of the event on "World Population Day".

Although it is witnessed that the Amhara State Population Department has registered remarkable performances, in handling population matters, shortage of manpower is a likely setback in carrying out the huge task ahead in the effort to achieve the goal of population ideals.