THE ROLE OF HUMANITARIAN ORGANIZATIONS IN PEACE BUILDING, POST CONFLICT RECOVERY AND RECONSTRUCTION ENGAGEMENTS IN GUJI GEDEO COMMUNITIES: THE CASE OF WORLD VISION

Abstract

This study aims to explore the role played by humanitarian organizations, with a focus on the role of the World Vision peace building among Guji Gedeo communities. The research employs a mixed-methods approach, combining both quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis techniques. Descriptive survey design was used in the study, and Data was gathered through surveys, interviews, and focus group discussions. The survey questionnaire was designed to collect information regarding household perceptions of World Vision’s programs, specifically focusing on assessing the concrete results of their interventions. A total of 178 households were selected from four Woreda (districts) in the West Guji and Gedeo Zone, specifically Dilla Zuria, Abaya, Gedeb, and Galena. The results of the research indicated that the stability of social relationships and the maintenance of peace and harmony in the study area are significantly influenced by the effectiveness of humanitarian organizations. The root causes of the 2018 conflict between the Guji and Gedeo communities were historical grievances. These competition over resources, political marginalization, and ethnic tensions are some of the factors contributing to the conflict. World Vision’s major interventions have been the implementation of community-based peace committees, which aim to facilitate dialogue between conflicting parties and promote reconciliation. It helped reduce violent conflicts by 50% in areas where they were established. The study recommends that Sustainable Dialogue Platforms, providing conflict sensitivity, engaging youth from both communities and conducting regular monitoring and evaluation, World Vision can further contribute to sustainable peace in the region.