Stakeholder analysis to guide co-production of nature-based solutions to address livelihood vulnerability: the case of Dolo Ado and Bokolmayo districts, Somali Regional State, Ethiopia

Stakeholder analysis to guide co-production of nature-based solutions to address livelihood vulnerability: the case of Dolo Ado and Bokolmayo districts, Somali Regional State, Ethiopia
Mekuria, Wolde; Dessalegn, Mengistu; Ebrahim, Girma Yimer; Tegegne, Desalegn; Haile, Alemseged Tamiru; Ruckstuhl, Sandra

We conducted stakeholder mapping and analysis in the Dolo Ado and Bokolmayo districts in the Somali Regional State of Ethiopia to improve our understanding of how to co-create and co-plan nature-based solutions (NbS) to address the vulnerability of displaced people and host communities to natural hazards such as floods and drought. Diverse stakeholders such as government development agencies, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), research and development institutions, international humanitarian entities, the private sector, communities and community-based organizations participate in the planning, design and implementation of NbS in multiple ways. The modes of their participation include provision of expertise, material and financial support, community mobilization, implementation of interventions, and monitoring and evaluation. Our analysis found that most of the stakeholders have strong perceived legitimacy in their field of endeavor. This facilitates access to political support and helps in the mobilization of local communities.

There were similarities among various stakeholder groups in respect of strategic aims, such as development vision, relationships, management, conflict resolution, and capitalizing on experience. Although stakeholders had similar views on the importance of NbS in addressing societal challenges, they differed in terms of the degree of influence they have on planning, design and implementation of NbS. Stakeholders from the government sector and humanitarian organizations were influential enough to support, accelerate, obstruct or block the process at several points. On the other hand, most of the stakeholders classified as NGOs and community and community-based organizations did have influence in some areas or on specific issues but no veto on the process.

Our results indicate that there is a low degree of trust among government agencies, international humanitarian organizations, NGOs and the private sector. This trust deficit could be attributed to the lack of continuous communication between stakeholders and also to the lack of efforts by stakeholders to make their interests and intentions more transparent to others. The strength of alliances or relationships between different stakeholders in terms of continuing information exchange, coordinated action, and co-production with common resources ranged from weak to intermediate. This can affect the implementation of NbS to address the vulnerability of livelihoods to natural hazards and efficient use of limited resources, leading to productivity reduction. Analysis of empowerment and exclusion in the stakeholder groups suggested that most of those from the government sector lack full access to and control of resources. Regarding competencies, we found that most government agencies lack the basic skills to plan, design and implement NbS, though they can communicate societal challenges and suggest possible solutions.

We think it is important to build the capacities of local practitioners and government agencies in environmental management, livelihood resilience and disaster risk management. In addition, ensuring meaningful participation by all stakeholders and engaging them throughout the project cycle can help in reducing the vulnerability of refugees, IDPs and host communities by developing context-specific solutions and ensuring effective planning, design and implementation of NbS. Furthermore, improving communication among stakeholders by setting up local platforms can assist them in making their interests and intentions clearer to other stakeholders, thereby building trust among them.

Mekuria, Wolde; Dessalegn, Mengistu; Ebrahim, Girma Yimer; Tegegne, Desalegn; Haile, Alemseged Tamiru; Ruckstuhl, Sandra. 2024. Stakeholder analysis to guide co-production of nature-based solutions to address livelihood vulnerability: the case of Dolo Ado and Bokolmayo districts, Somali Regional State, Ethiopia. Colombo, Sri Lanka: International Water Management Institute (IWMI). CGIAR Initiative on Fragility, Conflict, and Migration. 36p.