ECO CONSCIOUS DEVELOPMENT MODEL FOR IROB MINORITY

 Introduction

The Irob, a small ethnic minority in northeastern Tigray, Ethiopia, speak the Saho language, part of the Cushitic branch of the Afro-Asiatic family. Predominantly Christian (Orthodox and Catholic), they rely on subsistence farming and animal husbandry. Historically, the Irob have close ties with their Tigrayan neighbors through intermarriage and cultural exchange and maintain connections with the predominantly Muslim Saho people of Eritrea.

Irobland, strategically located along the Ethiopia-Eritrea border, has been a conflict zone for decades. During the 1998-2000 conflict, Irobland was a key front, with the Aiga mountain serving as a critical base for the Eritrean army, while Alitena became a fortress for the Ethiopian army. This led to the displacement of the entire Irob population, with some under Eritrean control and others displaced by Ethiopian forces.

The Algiers Agreement unjustly awarded Irobland to Eritrea, despite its historical ties to Ethiopia. This violated the 1992 UN Declaration on Minorities and was seen as an effort by the TPLF-dominated Ethiopian government to diminish Irob's influence in Tigray politics. The Irob, historically strong supporters of the Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Party (EPRP), were viewed unfavorably by the TPLF.

The border dispute, including the contested areas of Badme, Tsorena, and Irob, led to a devastating war from 1998 to 2000, resulting in significant casualties and displacement. Despite a peace agreement in 2000, the border was never fully demarcated, leaving communities in a state of uncertainty and hardship.

The 2019 efforts by Prime Minister Abiy and President Isaias to resolve the border dispute brought hope for lasting peace, but this was short-lived with the outbreak of the Tigray war in 2020. A significant portion of Irobland remains under Eritrean military occupation, and the scars of the war persists. This minority ethnic group is cut off from Adigrat due to the blockade of the only seasonal road to Alitena by the Eritrean army. Their plight and efforts to rebuild and recover from past traumas are largely ignored.

Dominant groups of of today's Irob inhabitant trace their lineage back to Summe, whose father, King Werede-Mehret, hailed from Tsira’e in near Adigrat, Tigray around 800 years ago. King Werede-Mehret was a descendant of Emperor Yitbarek of the Zagwe dynasty, predating the Solomonic dynasty in Ethiopia. For centuries, the Irob have inhabited their remote, strategically located region, preserving their democratic traditions and unique socio-cultural norms while defending their identity and land against various invaders.

Throughout history, the Irob people have played a significant role in regional and national politics in Ethiopia. They pioneered a democratic electoral system known as the "Ona" system and have produced influential leaders and icons. Notable figures include Dej Subagadis Woldu, a 19th-century governor of Tigray and Eritrea; Emperor Yohannes IV of Ethiopia, whose mother was a niece of Subagadis; Empress Zewditu I of Ethiopia, the daughter-in-law of Emperor Yohannes IV; and Dr. Tesfay Debesay, a prominent leader of the Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Party (EPRP) in the 1970s.

Problem Analysis

Environmental Challenges

Irobland faces droughts and desertification, worsening with climate change, leading to water shortages, land degradation, and poverty.

Land degradation in Irobland, Ethiopia, is a critical issue that has been exacerbated by a combination of climate change, desertification, and human activities. The region's proximity to expanding deserts like the Sahara and Arabian deserts has led to altered climatic conditions, negatively impacting rainfall patterns and vegetation cover. This has resulted in a cascade of environmental challenges, including reduced water availability, increased soil aridity, and heightened vulnerability to droughts. The Irob people, whose livelihoods are deeply intertwined with the land, face significant threats to their food security and agricultural practices. Subsistence farming and animal husbandry, the mainstays of their economy, are becoming increasingly unsustainable due to the fragile state of the semi-wilderness areas they depend on.

To address these challenges, it is imperative to implement sustainable agricultural practices tailored for arid regions. Strategies such as effective irrigation methods, soil conservation, agroforestry, and the use of renewable energy sources can play a pivotal role in mitigating the effects of land degradation. Additionally, adopting drought-tolerant plant varieties, optimizing planting seasons to coincide with maximum soil moisture, and employing soil management practices that enhance water retention and reduce evaporation are essential. Promoting organic farming methods, including composting, crop rotation, and biological pest control, can further improve soil health, conserve water, and reduce reliance on synthetic inputs.

The situation in Irobland underscores the need for comprehensive policies and strategies that support the adoption of these sustainable practices. This includes providing the Irob community with access to information, education, technology, and financial resources. By doing so, it is possible to not only improve land management practices but also to empower the Irob people to create a more resilient and sustainable future for their region.

The Irob minority, faces a precarious existence tied closely to the land. Besides extreme shortage of agricultural land due to the rugged terrain, their traditional livelihoods, based on rainfed agriculture and animal husbandry, are threatened by severe land degradation and insufficient policy support. The resulting economic strain propels the youth towards urban migration, seeking opportunities that are absent in their native rural settings. However, this migration is fraught with risks, including violence, exploitation, and cultural dislocation. The challenges faced by the Irob community highlight a complex interplay between environmental degradation and socio-economic instability, which necessitates comprehensive strategies that address both ecological conservation and the enhancement of rural livelihoods. Such strategies could include the development of sustainable agricultural practices, improved access to markets, and the establishment of educational and entrepreneurial opportunities within rural areas to stem the tide of migration and preserve cultural identities.

These factors have led to the economic and social decline of the Irob, putting them at risk of extinction as a distinct ethnic group. Urgent national and international action is needed to protect their rights and interests.


Wars and Compromised Territorial Integrity

The Irob, a minority group with a population of approximately 60,000, face an existential threat due to their geopolitical positioning in a conflict-ridden territory. Historically, Irobland has been the stage for conflicts between Ethiopia and Eritrea, as well as internal Ethiopian disputes. The 2020 conflict, which saw Ethiopian and Eritrean forces engaged in combat, had devastating effects on the Irob district, leading to civilian casualties, mass displacement, blocked humanitarian aid routes, and the occupation of medical facilities. The unresolved border dispute between Ethiopia and Eritrea, which has persisted since the 1998-2000 war, exacerbates the situation. Despite a peace agreement in 2018, the demarcation of the border remains pending. This uncertainty fuels the Irob people's fears that their land might be divided or ceded to Eritrea, posing a significant threat to their rights, cultural heritage, and identity. The precariousness of their situation is compounded by their limited numbers, which makes their plight not just a matter of territorial integrity but also of the survival of their unique cultural identity in the face of overwhelming adversity.


Identity Crisis

The Irob people are ignored by the federal government and systematically marginalized and assimilated by the TPLF-led Tigray regional government. They face harassment, exclusion from political participation, and threats to their identity, culture, and language. Many Irob youth are leaving their homeland in search of better opportunities elsewhere, hoping for more income, education, and security in urban areas or abroad. However, this migration comes at a high cost, often involving separation from their families, culture, and identity. The journey is fraught with dangers, including reliance on smugglers who charge high fees and expose them to violence, exploitation, trafficking, detention, or deportation. In their destination countries, which include Israel, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Sudan, Egypt, and Europe, Irob youth face legal, social, and cultural barriers. They often encounter discrimination, isolation, and pressure to assimilate, which can lead to loss of connection with their roots and heritage, and identity crises. Migrants may face physical, sexual, or psychological violence during or after their migration. They often experience economic, social, or legal exploitation from smugglers or employers who may abuse their labor or rights. Some become victims of human trafficking for forced labor, sexual slavery, or organ harvesting by smugglers or traffickers. They are sometimes detained by authorities for violating immigration laws or regulations and held in poor conditions without legal assistance or protection. Deportation can lead to stigma, discrimination, persecution, or retaliation in their origin or transit countries. Discrimination based on ethnicity, religion, gender, or legal status from host communities or authorities is common, as is isolation from families, communities, or cultures with limited access to their language, religion, or traditions. Finally, many face pressure to assimilate into the host society, leading to the loss of original identity, culture, or heritage.

Programs

The Irob community needs a sustainable and transformational transition to address the challenges they face in different sectors. To achieve this, we propose a screening, prioritization, and implementation process for various projects that can fill the most urgent gaps in each sector. The sectors we focus on are:


The agroindustry in the lowlands is a vital initiative, focusing on elevating the agricultural output and economic status of Irob farmers. By introducing modern farming techniques and value-added processes, the aim is to boost and diversify agricultural production. 


In terms of infrastructure development, the goal is to significantly improve the quality of infrastructure around Alitena and Dawhan towns and neighboring villages. This encompasses housing and upgrading of roads, public utilities, and communication systems, which are essential for fostering a conducive environment for business and community activities.


The highland restoration and research sector is dedicated to preserving the unique ecological systems of the highlands. Efforts include reforestation, wildlife conservation, and the study of the region's distinct environmental and cultural dynamics. This research is crucial for developing strategies that maintain the area's natural resources for future generations.


Lastly, the tourism industry development is designed to enhance the Irob region's appeal as a destination. By promoting its scenic landscapes and rich cultural tapestry, the initiative seeks to boost the local economy through increased tourist traffic and investment opportunities. 

Each sector has outlined potential start-up projects, which serve as practical steps towards achieving these broad objectives. These projects are detailed further in the accompanying links at the footnote of this page, providing a roadmap for interested parties to engage with and contribute to the region's growth.

Development Model

Our development vision rests on three pillars: land use, population and demographic, and historical and cultural identity. 

Adopt a comprehensive landscape management approach for land use that delineates different zones for environmental, economic, and social development. In the mountainous regions with steep slopes, we prioritize land restoration and environmental assessment. We restrict this zone to eco-friendly activities, such as beekeeping, fruit tree planting, and ecotourism. In the lowlands with gentle slopes and plains, we implement micro irrigation systems to enhance water efficiency and crop productivity.

Create incentives to relocate youth from the mountainous regions to the towns of Dawhan and Alitena for population and demographic, where we upgrade the urban development and public services. We also extend the urban services to the nearby villages of Kallassa, Gibidawo and Daya. We offer trauma counseling services to the affected communities.

Advocate for and demand constitutional recognition, political representation and self-administration as a minority group for historical and cultural identity. We resist any attempts of assimilation and marginalization by the central government or other groups.

A possible strategy for addressing the land degradation, population, and socio-political challenges in Irobland is to introduce a wholistic theory of change that encompasses environmental, economic, and social development goals for the Irob minority as a unique eco-friendly development model. This theory of change can be based on the ecological, social, and economic characteristics of the land, as well as the existing and potential land uses and activities.

1.   One of the components of this theory of change is to introduce a clear landuse policy that can create holistic management of landscapes with clear environmental, economic, and social development zones. These zones can optimize the use and management of the land resources according to their ecological, topographical, and climatic features. These zones are:

1.1.  The steep slope mountainous regions, which are prone to land degradation due to erosion, runoff, and deforestation. These regions should be prioritized for rehabilitation  and restoration of the natural vegetation and soil, as well as for environmental research that can monitor and evaluate the impacts and outcomes of the interventions. The economic activities in this zone should be limited to eco-friendly activities that can generate income and employment for the local people without harming the environment.  Some examples of these activities are honeybee farming, fruit trees and shrub restoration, and ecotourism. These activities can also enhance the biodiversity,  ecosystem services, and climate resilience of these regions.

1.2.  The gentle slopes and plain lowlands, which are suitable for agriculture and irrigation. These regions should be improved by introducing micro irrigation systems that can enhance water efficiency and productivity, as well as reduce water loss and pollution. Micro irrigation systems are methods of delivering water to crops or plants through  small devices such as drippers, sprinklers, or microjets. They can save water, energy, labor, and fertilizer costs, as well as increase crop yields and quality. These systems  can also improve soil health, crop diversity, food security, and income stability of these regions.

1.3.  The towns, which are centers of urban development and public services. These regions should be improved by enhancing the infrastructure, facilities, and amenities that can support the social and economic well-being of the urban population. Some examples of these improvements are road construction, waste management, health care, education, communication, and recreation. These improvements can also promote urban planning, governance, social inclusion, cultural diversity, and economic growth of these regions.

2. Another component of this theory of change is to introduce a population and demographic policy that can address the challenges posed by  the limited land availability and suitability, scattered rural settlement pattern, and low access to public services and infrastructure. This policy can include:

2.1.  Making youth resettlement from mountainous regions to Dawhan and Alitena towns. This can reduce their dependencies on land  resources, as well as their exposure to environmental risks. This can also increase their access to better infrastructure, facilities, and amenities in urban areas. It will also open opportunities to release the steep slopes and mountainous region for restoration.

2.2.  Improving public housing, services, and urban development in Alitena and Dawhan towns and expanding into the vicinity villages like Kallassa, Gibidawo, and Daya. This can accommodate the increasing urban population, as well as provide them with quality living  conditions. This can also create more opportunities for education or employment in urban areas.

2.3.  Introducing trauma counseling services for the Irob people who have experienced or witnessed trauma due to wars, violence,  displacement, human rights violations, or humanitarian crises caused by the border conflict between Ethiopia and Eritrea. This can help  them cope with their emotional and psychological distress, as well as heal from their wounds.

3. The third component of this theory of change is to restore historical and cultural identity for the Irob people who have been marginalized  and oppressed by the dominant groups or governments in their region. This component can include:

3.1.  Demanding for constitutional rights that can protect their interests and identity as a minority group. These rights can include, autonomy, representation, participation, and recognition. These rights can also ensure their equal access to resources, services, rights, and opportunities in their region.

3.2.  Seeking political representation and self-administration that can empower them to participate in decision making and resource management that affect their lives and livelihoods. This can also foster democracy, peace, justice, and cooperation in their region.

3.3.  Advocating against assimilation and marginalization that can erode their language, religion, traditions, and values due to the influence of other cultures, especially the dominant ones. This can also prevent identity crises, where they struggle to find or maintain their sense of self, belonging, or purpose in their new or changing environments.

3.4.  Preserving and promoting their cultural identity and heritage through education, media, arts, and community activities. This can also enhance their self-esteem, self-worth, and self-expression as a minority group.

4.  The final component of this theory of change is advocacy and awareness raising work to address the threat to their cohesion and survival as a group due to the combined effects  of the above-mentioned challenges. These challenges can weaken their social bonds, solidarity, and collective action as a group. They can  also reduce their population size, diversity, and vitality as a group. They can also endanger their existence and recognition as a group. This component can include:

4.1.   Strengthening their cohesion and survival as a group through advocacy, mobilization, and empowerment. This can increase their visibility,  voice, and influence as a group.  This can also create a sense of unity, belonging, and purpose among them.

4.2.   Celebrating their achievements and contributions as a group. This can acknowledge their resilience, creativity, and innovation as a group. This can also inspire them to continue their efforts and aspirations as a group.

The Theory of Change

Approach

We believe that different contexts require different solutions. Our approach combines environmental and human perspectives, and draws on various methods, tools and approaches from social, economic and environmental science fields. We will use appropriate methods, tools and approaches to gather and analyze data, track progress for adaptive planning, produce knowledge products, and communicate findings for decision making.

Geoinformation System and Remote Sensing: We will use advanced spatial intelligence analysis tools such as ArcGIS and QGIS, Sentinel 2 imagery, Google Earth engine, Collect Earth Online, etc., for detailed data collection on biophysical aspects.

Social Network Analysis (SNA): We will use this technique to collect data on institutional networks and influences.

Socio-economic and Policy Research: We will use proven methods from organizations like Innovation for Poverty Action (IPA) to conduct this type of research.

Strong comprehensive Monitoring System: We will use well-established methods such as AURORA to monitor our work.

SECTORAL PRIORITIES

The following sectoral programs are priority areas that would greatly help Irob transformation if addressed. As such, we suggest to simultaneously approach these sectors project by project basis. Innovate for start up projects that can have a ripple effect to accelerate and or positively affect the rest sectors.

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