Abstract:
The role of the local government and community in the process of post-conflict reconstruction is
often underestimated due to the dominant presence of major international donors. There is a
strong debate regarding their involvement in addressing the challenges of post-conflict
reconstruction. Ethiopia experienced a period of conflict between the federal government and
TPLF forces from October 2020 to November 2022. The main objective of this study was to
explore the practices and major challenges of the post conflict reconstruction in Wadla Woreda.
To achieve the desired objective, this study has utilized a qualitative research approach and case
study research design. The study has used both primary and secondary sources of data. Semi structured interviews and focus group discussions were employed to gather primary data from
purposively selected key informants. The data were analyzed through thematic analysis.
Accordingly, the findings of this study revealed that Wadla Woreda administrations and
community were involved in the post-conflict reconstruction process. Nevertheless, many
participants asserted that the local administration is unjust in assessing the damage and
distributing humanitarian assistance. Furthermore, the local community is not involved in the
decision-making process for reconstruction planning, except for their involvement in socio economic reconstruction efforts. Furthermore, the findings of this study indicates that lack of
trust in the federal government, Psychological trauma, lack of security and financial problems
were the major challenges for the post conflict reconstruction of Wadla Woreda in particular
and the community in general. Finally, this study recommended that the local administration, as
agents of reconstruction, should utilize the principles of social capital, democratic participatory
and developmental theory to realize sustainable post-conflict reconstruction. Additionally,
successful post-conflict reconstruction relies on the active participation of the local population
in all aspects of the process.
