SOCIO-ECONOMIC AND CULTURAL FACTORS AFFECTING THE WELLBEING OF CHILDREN AT ULANULA KEBELE, ERER WOREDA, HARARI

Abstract

Children are the feature of country and precious resources of sustainable development of the human society. Improving socio-economic and cultural wellbeing status of children is the basis for realization of the comprehensive development and the transformation of any country. Hence, in order to ensure that, improving complex set of household social, economic and cultural statuses are much more important. This study examined the factors, both socio-economic and cultural, affects wellbeing of children in Ulanula Kebele of Erere woreda, Harari Regional State. The study utilized both qualitative and quantitative research approach. The study employed purposive sampling techniques for qualitative data and random sampling techniques were used for quantitative data. The primary data was collected by structured and semi structured questionnaire from 311 households among the total sample size 344 households and FGDs were conducted by using unstructured guide. The quantitative data were coded, entered and analyzed by using the SPSS software 20 using percentages and frequency with Chi square test models to help in meeting the study objectives. Qualitative data were typed, transcribed and analyzed by using narrative based on study objectives. Results from the data collected indicated that children wellbeing status is indeed influenced by demographic characteristics of households, household’s socio-economic and cultural factors. So, it can be concluded that socio economic and cultural disadvantage of household and lack of or low level access to service deter wellbeing of children. These indicated that the problems of vulnerable children and their root causes have a multi-faceted nature in main area of concern. Thus, it is very commendable to follow a multi-dimensional and integrated development approach by the family, community and government through policies and strategies. In particular, some of the key services, such as school, health facilities, clean water supply and sanitation facilities are that need to be built more closely to the community.