Policy Responses and Social Solidarity Imperatives to Respond the COVID-19 Pandemic Socioeconomic Crises in Ethiopia

Abstract

Background

The study evaluated the public administration’s policy responses and imperatives of social solidarity to reduce the havoc caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic has not only posed a serious health threat but also brought economic, sociocultural and psychological crises to human beings all over the world. The study was conducted to give a clear picture of the COVID-19 pandemic socioeconomic crises in Ethiopia and policy responses given as well as the imperatives of social organizations in Ethiopia to tackle these challenges.

Purpose

This article aimed to explore the extent to which the COVID-19 pandemic impacted the socio-economic activities of Ethiopia and evaluate the effectiveness and limitations of the policy response given by the public administration vis-à-vis the role of social solidarity to reduce the calamity of the pandemic.

Methods

Qualitative research approach has been used and data were analyzed using narration, description, and exploration analysis method.

Results

The findings of the study revealed that the policy responses given by the public administration and the solidarity of social organizations played great role in minimizing the socio-economic crises that the pandemic entailed. Policy responses had limitations and lack of appropriate institutional implementation platforms.

Conclusion

The policy responses given by the public administration to alleviate the socio-economic crises caused by the pandemic have both success and limitations. Social organizations played a paramount role in alleviating the COVID-19 socio-economic crises on vulnerable and disadvantaged groups.