Abstract:
Ethiopia is home to one of the world's largest orphan populations. A significant concern has been
identified as a lack of competent care for orphans. This study examines and highlights significant
social and economic issues that negatively influence child care service provision in three selected
kebeles of Dire Dawa City. The study employed a descriptive cross-sectional survey design to
investigate the social and economic barriers to the provision of childcare services for OVC in
selected 3 kebeles of Dire Dawa City. Data was gathered from both primary sources, such as local
community elders and religious leaders, as well as caregiver agency experts, and secondary
sources, such as previous research findings and academic journal articles. The study used surveys,
key informant interviews, non- participant observation, focus-group discussion, and documentary
analysis for data collection. Regarding the collection of quantitative data, among non-probability
sampling techniques, purpose sampling was employed to select kebeles (kebele 04, kebele 05, and
kebele 08) based on the characteristics of a population and the objective of the study. To determine
the sample size of orphan and vulnerable children's households, Slovin's formula and the
probability proportional to sample size (PPS) technique were employed to gather quantitative
data. Out of 1980 total OVC households in 3 selected kebeles, 324 sample respondents from 05
kebele, 06 kebele, and 08 kebele were chosen. The quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive
statistical metrics, and the qualitative data was also thematically explored. Finally, the qualitative
and quantitative data were pooled and reviewed, and a sociological interpretation and conclusion
were reached at the same time. The study indicated food and nutrition, health care, housing
renovation, economic strengthening, and counseling were offered to the OVC family households,
but the care and assistance offered by governments, non-government agencies to orphans and
vulnerable children were insufficient and did not address their underlying difficulties. It was also
uncovered that partnerships, networking, and collaboration among stakeholders are currently
very weak. The study suggests improving working relationships with communities; addressing
time-consuming bureaucratic procedures; and empowering OVC families to be self-sufficient
