Abstract

This ethnographic study was conducted in Tigray region of Ethiopia with the aim of assessing the problems of rural development interventions during the last twenty yearsⁱ. The main objectives of the study were; to identify major intervention areas, examine community perceptions of government led interventions and examine overall challenges and prospects of the rural development option in Tigray region, Ethiopia. The data for this paper was obtained from the Southern, Eastern and South eastern zones of Tigray region. Field data was collected using qualitative research methods. The specific tools include, key informant interviews, focus group discussions and case studies. The findings of the study revealed that although, there have been tremendous efforts and improved government commitment in Tigray region in the post-1991 period, rural development has been impeded by a number of factors. The challenges identified include, compulsive agricultural extension system, erroneous incentive schedules and lack of proper devolution of power to the grassroots, hasty non-participatory implementation of projects, absence of functional integrations among development agents, lack of proper utilization of public funds, and problems related to evaluation and monitoring activities. Besides, it was evident that poor work ethic, the culture of overconsumption, low adult literacy and lack of proper incentives to frontline workers were also identified as major problems. These together with the challenges emanating from ecological calamities (shortage of rainfall, land fragmentation and population pressures) have impeded rural development in the study area.

Key words: Development interventions, community assessment, Ethiopia.