Analysis of the Power, Knowledge and Interests of Stakeholders in Urban and Peri-Urban Agriculture Engagement in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Abstract

Stakeholder analysis is a process of systematically gathering and analyzing qualitative information to determine whose interests should be taken into account when developing and/or implementing a policy, project or program. From this analysis, four main results were obtained, namely: most important stakeholders; the stakeholders’ knowledge level; the stakeholders’ position to or against UPA program; the stakeholders’ interest towards UPA program; and which stakeholders might form alliances. Among eighteen priority stakeholders identifiedfor leadership and power analysis, nine of them were having high leadership and power, four had leadership and medium power, one stakeholder did not have leadership but had high to medium power, whereas, the other four of the priority stakeholders were with no leadership and power. Based on the level of knowledge, stakeholders were also categorized into two groups: those with the high and medium level of knowledge. This analysis had also indicated that resource availability, rather than the knowledge level, is the most influencing factor in taking a position for or against UPA program. Professional societies seem to be more knowledgeable and were willing to lead the UPA program. However, attributed to resource limitations, they had not engaged in the program so far as expected. Eighty percent of the stakeholders consider the advantage of UPA and thus were supporting the present situation, while the remaining had concerns as UPA is considered the cause of pollution and public health problem in the city.