The 1993 National Population Policy of Ethiopia: The Guiding Theories

Abstract

The National Population Policy of Ethiopia was finalized in 1993. The pace of its
implementation has however been slow. 11 is posited lhatthe theoretical basis of
the policy could have played an imporlant role in slowing implementation. A
discourse analysis of Ih e content of the policy document is mode 10 analyze
theories that guided the policy per se. The roles of global theories expressed as
pessimistic and optimistic discourses influence policymaking. However, theforlller
(neo.Malrhusianism), which claims that rapid populaJion growth is a menace to
development processes, has had the upper hand in Ethiopia, regardless of the
resistance it receives. This resistance indicates the lack of and/or weaknesses of
locally established theodes to guide the policy framework. There is thus an
obvious need for rigorous research tQ initiare debaJe and establish consensus, a"d
in this way allow the cultivation of home grown theoreticaljrameworJcs that could
provide guidance to the policy and enhance its implementation activities.