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The socio-economic profile of Awi Nationality Administrative Zone
Awi Nationality Administrative zone is one of the eleven zones in Amhara National Regional State (ANRS). It occupies an area of 800,800 hectares.
Awi zone stretches to Oromia National Regional State (ONRS) in the south, West Gojjam zone in the east, Benishangul Gummuze National Regional State (BGNRS) in the west, and North Gondar zone in North East.
The zonal Administrative is divided into five vast woredas namely; Dangila, Fageta Lekoma, Banjashikudad, Guangua, Ankesha Guagussa and one town Administration that is Injjibara. According to statistical estimation made in 2004, it is a home of 1.02 million people. The residents are predominantly Agew ethnic group and include Amhara, Oromo and Gumuze ethnics. Injibara, which is the zonal capital, is accessible via the main Addis Ababa- Bahirdar road 450 Kms North West of Addis Ababa.
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Climatic conditions of the zone are favorable; some areas with 6 months of rain. Approximately 17% of the zone is highland including 2,920 meter above sea level, 72% intermediate highland and 1% lowland. The residents live on conventional agriculture, animal husbandry and related activities. The zone has almost no modern industries in spite of its favorability for industrial development. The economic condition of the zone is extremely poor. Two thirds of the populations are living below the poverty line on the basis of the international standard.
Due to the poor fertility of the soil, erratic rainfall, prevalence of harmful traditional practice, effects of HIV/AIDS and poor farming practices, the yield, from agricultural activities is very low, and the great majority of the populations live on meager income. As a result, the zone is a home of various socio – economic problems like.
- Year –to- year increasingly growing unemployment,
- Street children seems to increasing due to poverty and in search of better life in the towns
- Increased number of prostitutes
- Increase of juvenile delinquents
- HIV/AIDS orphans are increasing from time to time
- Expansion of exploitation of child Labour
- Expanded begging activities etc. that affect the society.
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Unless it is checked and controlled before it is too late, the magnitude of the problem may lead to social and humanitarian crises eventually. In order to tackle the problem gradually through sustainable development, it requires joint efforts and practical measures by government organizations, non-government organizations and civic society.
Having this in mind, the respective government organs are making efforts to alleviate the social problem for example; currently the zonal health care and the primary education coverage are improved to 6.3% and 81% respectively. Besides to this, different efforts are carried out to minimize and avoid the existing social problems in the long run.
The zonal Labour and social affairs branch office established at the zonal level in collaborating with other stakes also devoted to play its part on issues of raising public awareness concerning different social problems such as protecting against child abuse and exploitation, harmful traditional practices, family planning, gender, combating HIV/AIDS etc and the rehabilitation and provision of alternatives (support) to needy members of the zonal society.
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