Informations et ressources scientifiques
sur le développement des zones arides et semi-arides

Titre : The effectiveness of public participation in EIA process : a case study of irrigation development project in Ethiopia

Auteur : Tessema, Alemu Mezigeb

Université de soutenance : UNESCO-IHE Institute for Water Education, Delft

Grade : Master of Science (MS) 2016

Résumé partiel
Despite that public participation widely recognized as a significant element of the decision making process at all levels of project development, however, EIA practice around the world indicates that the overall influence of public participation in the decision-making process is still weak, particularly in developing countries. It exercises as a primarily proforma to meet the legal requirement of international donor agencies rather than a purposeful opportunity in eliciting inputs from the affected public. This study examines the role of public participation in EIA process and analysis its effectiveness based on the evaluation framework, as well as identify the key barriers that influenced the practice. The study adopts a case study approach, and two cases of irrigation development project are selected. Primary data are mainly collected through questionnaire survey and interviews with the government officials (central and regional government officials), EIA consultants, academic and affected public groups. In addition, project documents, ESIA report, EIA guidelines, policy documents and other related literature sources were used as the secondary sources of information. The results of this study reveal that the public participation practice in the EIA process on the two cases of irrigation project was not effective. Opportunities for public participation in the two cases were poor and they have a weak influence on the final decision. Public notice on the main steps of the project plan and decision processes was inadequate

Sujets  : EIA public participation sustainable development case studies irrigation projects Ethiopia

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