Harla Journal of Social and Behavioral Studies

The Relationship between COVID-19 and Social Capital among Urban Kebele Communities in Dire Dawa City Administration, Eastern Ethiopia

Wondu Teshome — 2024-12-30

This study explored the relationship between COVID-19 pandemic and social capital among urban kebele communities in Dire Dawa City Administration. The study employed a quantitative approach with correlational survey research design. A total of 392 respondents selected from nine urban kebeles in Dire Dawa city. This study employed stratified and simple random sampling techniques. To collect the data from each urban kebele’s participants, close-ended questionnaire was used. Pearson correlation, T-test, ANOVA and multiple regression used as method of data analysis. The findings of this study indicated that there is negative relationship between COVID-19 and social capital dimensions (BOSC r=-.505, and BSC r=-.428) respectively. There is statistically significant difference between COVID-19 and BOSC (t=11.55, p= .000). There is a statistically significant difference between residential kebeles with BOSC, F (8, 391) = 6.978, p = .000); and BSC, F (8, 391) = 10.989, p = .000). The results of multiple regression indicated that age, residential kebeles, covid-19 and BSC together explained 75.8% of the variance in BOSC score, F (4, 387) = 302.65, p = .000. Researchers, policy makers, scientific communities, and government institutions should examine the roles of social capitals among the local communities.

Ejigayehu Shebabaw’s ‘Tinager Adwa Lyric Song’ Analysis:

Daniel Mengistie — 2024-12-30

The principal aim of this paper was to analyse the major themes of the lyric of ‘Adwa' by Ejigayehu Shebabaws‘, a prominent Ethiopian musician known for blending elements of nationalism, humanism, political and social activism in her lyric song. The paper focuses on understanding how Egigayhu’s lyrics reflect themes of nationalism, humanism, patriotism, and the quest for unity, and equality within the Ethiopian context. The lyric recounts the significance of Adwa's victory over the invading Italian army and goes to the extent of asserting that Adwa is an identity of freedom. The paper also highlights Ejigayehu’s role as a national figure and flag-waver whose music serves as a medium for expressing societal concerns and advocating for patriotism. Finally, the analysis of this paper elucidates the ways in which Ejigayehu’s lyric song contributes to ongoing discourses surrounding Ethiopian identity, social healing, solidarity, dignity, and brevity of the society as the most recurring ones.

The Assessment of the Prevalence of Depression among Cardiovascular Patients at Dil Chora Referral Hospital, Dire Dawa, Ethiopia

Mulatu Desalew — 2024-12-30

This study aimed to examine the prevalence of depression among cardiovascular patients at Dil Chora referral hospital. This research uses a cross-sectional design &available sampling technique, 370 patients with CVD were taken. Data were collected using pretested standardized scales. Data analyses were conducted using SPSS version 20. Particularly, Mean, Standard Deviation, t-test, and one-way ANOVA. Results showed that the majority (39.84%) of respondents had mild level depression. There are statistically significant mean differences in the level of depression (t (398) =14.79, p <0.05) between male and female cardio vascular patients. Moreover, results showed the presence of significant mean differences in the level of depression (F (3, 366) =303, p<0.05) among respondents of the study across age groups. There are significant mean differences in the level of depression (F (3, 366) =261, p<0.05) among respondents across the educational status. There are also significant mean differences in the level of depression (F (2, 367) =638.58, p<0.05) among respondents across the marital status.

Hydro-Politics in the Eastern Nile Basin:

Kassa Yirga — 2024-12-30

The aim of the study is to analyze the hydro-political dynamics in the Eastern Nile Basin, including the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) and the implications for regional cooperation and conflict. It aims to examine the views of the three countries, Ethiopia, Sudan and Egypt, on the issue of water rights, resource management and the socio-economic and environmental impacts of the dam. To achieve this goal, the study employed a qualitative case study design, in which both primary and secondary sources were used and analyzed thematically. The results show that while the GERD offers significant opportunities for regional economic growth and energy security, it also exacerbates diplomatic tensions and challenges existing water sharing agreements. The findings show that the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) is challenging Egypt’s long-standing and rigid stance on the Nile and forcing the country to discuss how to manage the river’s resources. Although Sudan initially recognized the construction of the dam, its position remained inconsistent due to various factors. These include the historic water-sharing agreement with Egypt, concerns about potential negative impacts and the prospect of affordable hydroelectricity from the project. In contrast, Egypt has come out strongly against the GERD project, arguing that it violates its historic rights over the Nile. As a result, tensions have escalated between Ethiopia and the downstream countries of the Nile basin. Based on the findings, the study proposes improving regional cooperation through institutionalized dialogue, an equitable framework for water sharing and confidence-building measures to defuse conflicts.

Practice and Challenges of School Leadership in Government Secondary Schools of Dire Dawa Administration

Hailu Kisi — 2024-12-30

This study aimed to investigate the practices and challenges of school leadership in government secondary schools within the Dire Dawa Administration. The assessment focused on key operational areas of leadership. A descriptive survey method employing mixed approaches was utilized to gather relevant data from primary and secondary sources, including questionnaires, interviews, and document analyses. Out of the 11 governmental secondary schools, a sample of 6 was selected. These schools collectively housed 39 school leaders and 355 teaching staff members. From this pool, 39 school leaders and 157 teaching staff were chosen for the study. The findings revealed that a significant number of school leaders lacked adequate training in school leadership, many schools did not have clearly defined vision and mission statements, and community involvement in realizing school visions was notably minimal. To address these challenges, it is recommended that the Dire Dawa Educational Bureau appoint principals and vice-principals with appropriate qualifications, offer well- structured training programs in school leadership for inadequately prepared school leaders, and establish platforms for community engagement to enhance school governance and improve student learning outcomes.