2023

COLLEGE OF DEVELOPMENTAL
STUDIES
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND SUSTAINABLE
DEVEOPMENT

PROPOSAL WRITING

ASSIGNEMNT ON: -
ASSESSMENT AND EVALUATION OF RESEARCHES
LITERATURE REVIEW
 ADDIS ABABA UNIVERSITY

COLLEGE OF DEVELOPMENTAL STUDIES

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND SUSTAINABLE

DEVEOPMENT

PROPOSAL WRITING

ASSIGNEMNT ON: -
ASSESSMENT AND EVALUATION OF RESEARCHES
LITERATURE REVIEW

NAME ID

1. Roba Negera …………………………………...……GSE/1289/14

SUBMISSION DATE: - Nov, 2023

SUBMITTED TO: - Dr. Engdawork

Contents
ANALYSIS OF ENVIRONMENTAL COMMUNICATION AND ITS IMPLICATION FOR
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN ETHIOPIA .................................................................................... 5
INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................................... 5
SUMMARY .............................................................................................................................................. 6
RESULTS ................................................................................................................................................. 6
CONTRIBUTIONS .................................................................................................................................. 7
FOUNDATION ........................................................................................................................................ 7
GENERAL CRITIQUE ............................................................................................................................ 8
CHARACTERIZING ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION PRACTICES IN ETHIOPIAN PRIMARY
SCHOOLS .................................................................................................................................................... 8
INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................................... 8
SUMMARY .............................................................................................................................................. 9
RESULTS ............................................................................................................................................... 10
CONTRIBUTIONS ................................................................................................................................ 11
FOUNDATION ...................................................................................................................................... 11
GENERAL CRITIQUE .......................................................................................................................... 11
A STUDY ON THE ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION IN THE METROPOLIS SCHOOLS OF
ADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA ..................................................................................................................... 12
INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................................. 12
SUMMARY ............................................................................................................................................ 13
RESULTS ............................................................................................................................................... 13
CONTRIBUTIONS ................................................................................................................................ 14
FOUNDATION ...................................................................................................................................... 14
GENERAL CRITIQUE .......................................................................................................................... 14
ENVIRONMENTAL BEHAVIOR, KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDE TOWARD SUSTAINABILITY
IN ETHIOPIAN CIVIL SERVICE UNIVERSITY .................................................................................... 15
INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................................. 15
SUMMARY ............................................................................................................................................ 16
RESULTS ............................................................................................................................................... 17
CONTRIBUTIONS ................................................................................................................................ 17
FOUNDATION ...................................................................................................................................... 17
GENERAL CRITIQUE .......................................................................................................................... 18
PARTICIPATION OF BOYS AND GIRLS IN SCHOOL ENVIRONMENTAL CLUBS: THE CASE OF
HOLETA SECONDARY AND PREPARATORY AND YEMANE BIRHAN SECONDARY SCHOOL
ENVIRONMENTAL CLUBS, ETHIOPIA ................................................................................................ 18
INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................................. 18
SUMMARY ............................................................................................................................................ 19
RESULTS ............................................................................................................................................... 20
CONTRIBUTIONS ................................................................................................................................ 21
FOUNDATION ...................................................................................................................................... 21
GENERAL CRITIQUE .......................................................................................................................... 21
REFERENCES ........................................................................................................................................... 23
 ANALYSIS OF ENVIRONMENTAL COMMUNICATION AND ITS
IMPLICATION FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN ETHIOPIA

Author name: - Mekonnen Hailemariam Zikargae

Year of publication: - 2018

Research title: - Analysis of environmental communication and its implication for sustainable
development in Ethiopia

INTRODUCTION
OBJECTIVES

 To analyse the internal and external environmental communication of Amhara National

Regional State (ANRS) Environmental Protection Authority,
 To identify how the authority utilizes communication channels,
 To explore how the authority effectively communicates environmental information to
stakeholders with mass media, and
 To identify the challenges or factors that hinder internal and external environmental
communication

DOMAIN OF THE RESEARCH

The thesis domain is environmental communication and its implication for sustainable
development in Ethiopia.

INTENDED AUDIENCE

The thesis is written for an academic audience, possibly at the graduate level. The reader should
have a general background in environmental issues and communication strategies to understand
the thesis.

APPROPRIATENESS OF THE THESIS

The thesis topic plays an important role in addressing the challenges of communicating
environmental issues to stakeholders and providing recommendations for improving
communication strategies. Therefore, the thesis topic is appropriate from an environment and
development perspective.
SUMMARY
THE CONCEPTS, PROBLEM OR OPPORTUNITY BEING ADDRESSED

The thesis addresses the concepts of environmental communication and sustainable development
in Ethiopia. The problem being addressed is the lack of effective communication strategies to
disseminate environmental information to stakeholders, which hinders the achievement of
sustainable development goals.

RESEARCH GAPS AND STATEMENTS OF THE PROBLEM

The research gaps identified in the thesis include the lack of studies on issue, the limited use of
mass media in communicating environmental information, and the lack of attention to the role of
stakeholders in environmental communication.

The statement of the problem in the paper highlights the challenges in environmental
communication in Ethiopia, including the limited attention given to practical aspects of
communicating and addressing environmental issues by the authority.

THE THEORY, MODELS, CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORKS

The thesis uses the GreenCOM conceptual framework, GreenCOM is a communication model
that emphasizes the importance of communication in achieving sustainable development goals
which includes social marketing, environmental education, public participation, and
environmental communication.

The GreenCOM framework is used in the paper to analyze the communication strategies used by
the ANRS Environmental Protection Authority in Ethiopia and to provide recommendations for
improving communication strategies to achieve sustainable development goals.

RESULTS
Summary

The study analyzed the internal and external environmental communication of ANRS
Environmental Protection Authority in Ethiopia and identified the challenges and opportunities
in communicating environmental information to stakeholders.

Findings
  The study found that the ANRS Environmental Protection Authority in Ethiopia has
limited communication strategies to disseminate environmental information to
stakeholders.
 The study identified the challenges and opportunities in communicating environmental
information to stakeholders, including the limited use of mass media, lack of public
participation, and inadequate environmental education.
 The study also found that the GreenCOM conceptual framework can be used to analyze
communication strategies in the context of environmental communication.

Recommendations

 The study recommends that the ANRS Environmental Protection Authority in Ethiopia
should improve its communication strategies to disseminate environmental information to
stakeholders.
 The study also recommends the use of mass media, public participation, and
environmental education to improve communication strategies.
 The study suggests that effective communication strategies are essential for achieving
sustainable development goals.

CONTRIBUTIONS
Yes, I believe the thesis literature contributes to the knowledge of researchers in the field of
environmental communication and sustainable development. The thesis provides a
comprehensive analysis of the challenges and opportunities in communicating environmental
information to stakeholders in Ethiopia, which can inform future research in the field.

FOUNDATION
The article is built on the theoretical foundation of the GreenCOM conceptual framework, which
includes social marketing, environmental education, public participation, and environmental
communication. The framework provides a comprehensive approach to environmental
communication and can be applied to other contexts to analyze communication strategies.
Additionally, the article draws on the theoretical foundations of sustainable development, which
emphasizes the need for effective communication strategies to disseminate environmental
information to stakeholders.
GENERAL CRITIQUE
 The paper appears to have a solid theoretical foundation.
 The authors provide a detailed description of their research methods and data analysis
procedures.
 The GreenCOM framework used in the paper is not new, but the authors apply it to the
context of environmental communication in Ethiopia and provide recommendations for
improving communication strategies based on their analysis.
 The paper appears to discuss everything promised in the introduction and outline.
 The paper's limitations include the small sample size of stakeholders interviewed and the
focus on a single environmental protection authority in Ethiopia.
 The literature review appears to make a contribution to the field of environmental
communication by identifying the research gap in the practical aspects of communicating
and addressing environmental issues by the authority. However, the authors could have
provided a more detailed discussion of the existing literature on environmental
communication in Ethiopia.

CHARACTERIZING ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION PRACTICES IN

ETHIOPIAN PRIMARY SCHOOLS
Author name: - Mulugeta Awayehu Gugssa
Year of publication: - 2023
Research title: - characterizing environmental education practices in Ethiopian primary schools

INTRODUCTION
OBJECTIVES

 The thesis aims to explore the practices of environmental education in Ethiopian primary
schools, with a focus on teachers' beliefs about proper teaching of environmental topics
and the ways in which they convey these topics to students.
 The thesis also aims to identify the challenges and opportunities for effective
environmental education in Ethiopian primary schools.

DOMAIN OF THE RESEARCH

The domain of the thesis is environmental education in Ethiopian primary schools. The intended
audience of the thesis is likely to be scholars and practitioners in the field of environmental
education, particularly those interested in the context of Ethiopian primary schools.

INTENDED AUDIENCE

The thesis is written at a graduate level, and the reader should have a general background in
environmental education and education in general. Familiarity with the Ethiopian education
system and cultural context may also be helpful.

APPROPRIATENESS OF THE THESIS

The thesis topic is appropriate as it addresses an important issue in the field of environmental
education, particularly in the context of a developing country like Ethiopia. The study has the
potential to inform policy and practice in the area of environmental education in Ethiopian
primary schools, and may also contribute to the broader literature on environmental education in
developing countries.

SUMMARY
CONCEPTS/PROBLEM/OPPORTUNITY

The thesis addresses the concepts of environmental education and active student participation in
learning. The problem being addressed is the lack of effective environmental education in
Ethiopian primary schools, which is hindering the development of environmentally active
students. The opportunity being addressed is the potential for hands-on, place-based learning and
local action to improve the effectiveness of environmental education in Ethiopian primary
schools.

RESEARCH GAPS/STATEMENTS OF THE PROBLEM

The thesis identifies a gap in the research on the teaching practices of environmental topics in
Ethiopian primary schools. Despite environmental education being taught in schools for over a
decade, there is a paucity of research on the actual teaching practices of environmental topics in
primary schools. The thesis aims to fill this gap by uncovering primary teachers' ideal teaching
approaches versus actual teaching of environmental topics.

THEORY/MODELS/CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORKS
The thesis adopts Husserlian descriptive phenomenology as a suitable methodological
framework to explore and describe primary teachers' life experiences in teaching environmental
issues. This method of inquiry allows the researcher to reveal the essence of a phenomenon as
lived by a person who has had the experience.

RESULTS
Summary

The thesis explores the practices of environmental education in Ethiopian primary schools and
identifies the challenges and opportunities for effective environmental education. The study
reveals that hands-on, place-based learning and local action are important for effective
environmental education in Ethiopian primary schools. However, the lack of resources, large
class sizes, and safety concerns are hindering the delivery of effective environmental education.

Findings

 The study finds that primary teachers in Ethiopia have a positive attitude towards
environmental education and believe that it is important for students to learn about
environmental issues.
 However, the study also finds that teachers face several challenges in delivering effective
environmental education, including a lack of resources, large class sizes, and safety
concerns.
 The study also finds that hands-on, place-based learning and local action are important
for effective environmental education in Ethiopian primary schools.

Recommendations

 The study recommends that the Ethiopian government should provide more resources for
environmental education in primary schools, including training for teachers and the
provision of teaching materials.
 The study also recommends that teachers should be encouraged to use hands-on, place-
based learning and local action to teach environmental topics.
  Finally, the study recommends that further research should be conducted to explore the
effectiveness of different teaching approaches for environmental education in Ethiopian
primary schools.

CONTRIBUTIONS
Based on the content of the thesis, it can be said that the literature contributes to the knowledge
of researchers in the field of environmental education, particularly in the context of Ethiopian
primary schools. Therefore, the thesis can be considered a valuable contribution to the
knowledge of researchers in the field of environmental education, particularly in the context of
developing countries like Ethiopia.

FOUNDATION
The study draws on the literature on effective teaching practices, which emphasizes the
importance of using a variety of teaching strategies and resources to engage students and
promote learning. Additionally, the study is informed by the principles of participatory research,
which emphasize the importance of involving participants in the research process and using their
insights to inform the research findings and recommendations.

GENERAL CRITIQUE
 The author built upon appropriate prior research and recent literature, and the study fills a
gap in the research on the teaching practices of environmental topics in primary schools
in Ethiopia.
 The author chose a suitable approach, descriptive phenomenology, to explore and
describe the lived experiences of primary teachers in teaching environmental issues.
 The study's findings are new and provide insights into the challenges and opportunities
for effective environmental education in Ethiopian primary schools.
 The author discusses everything promised in the introduction and outline, and the study's
limitations and shortcomings are acknowledged.
 Overall, the author did a good job in conducting the research and presenting the research
results in the literature review.
 However, it is worth noting that the literature review could have been more
comprehensive by including a broader range of studies on environmental education in
developing countries, particularly in Africa.
  While the study draws on some relevant literature, it could have benefited from a more
extensive review of the literature to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the
challenges and opportunities for effective environmental education in Ethiopian primary
schools.

A STUDY ON THE ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION IN THE

METROPOLIS SCHOOLS OF ADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA
Author name: - Sulaiman, Natarajan, and Sivapalan
Year of publication: - (2009)
Research title: - A Study on the Environmental Education in the Metropolis Schools of Addis
Ababa, Ethiopia

INTRODUCTION
OBJECTIVES

 The objectives (goals or purpose) of the paper are to examine the effectiveness of
environmental education (EE) in the metropolis schools of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and
 To identify the factors that influence students' attitudes towards environmental issues.

DOMAIN OF THE RESEARCH

The paper's domain (topic area) is environmental education and its impact on students' attitudes
and behaviours towards the environment.

INTENDED AUDIENCE

The paper's intended audience is likely researchers, educators, policymakers, and other
professionals interested in environmental education and sustainable development. The paper is
written at an academic level and assumes some familiarity with the concepts and theories of
environmental education. Readers should have a general background in environmental issues,
education, and social sciences to understand the paper.

APPROPRIATENESS OF THE THESIS

The paper's topic is appropriate because it addresses a critical issue in environmental education,
namely, the effectiveness of EE programs in promoting sustainable development and addressing
environmental problems. The paper's findings and recommendations can inform the development
of more effective EE programs and policies in Ethiopia and other countries.

SUMMARY
CONCEPTS/PROBLEM/OPPORTUNITY

The paper addresses the concepts of environmental education (EE) and sustainable development
in the context of Ethiopian schools. The problem being addressed is the ineffectiveness of
current EE programs in promoting sustainable development and addressing environmental
problems.

RESEARCH GAPS/STATEMENTS OF THE PROBLEM:

The paper identifies several gaps and statements of the problem, including the lack of practical
and hands-on activities in EE programs, the focus on rote memorization of factual knowledge,
the lack of teacher training and support, and the limited resources and infrastructure for EE in
Ethiopian schools.

THEORY/MODELS/CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORKS:

The paper draws on several theoretical and conceptual frameworks, including the infusion
approach to EE, the Chalk and Talk system of teaching, and the need for transformative learning
and critical thinking in EE.

RESULTS
The paper examines the effectiveness of environmental education (EE) in Ethiopian schools and
identifies the factors that influence students' attitudes towards environmental issues.

Finding

 The study finds that current EE programs in Ethiopian schools are ineffective in
promoting sustainable development and addressing environmental problems.

Recommendations
  The paper recommends that EE programs in Ethiopian schools should be more practical
and hands-on, should focus on critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and should
involve community-based approaches to EE.
 The paper also recommends that teachers should receive more training and support in EE,
and that there should be more resources and infrastructure for EE in Ethiopian schools.

CONTRIBUTIONS
The paper's literature contributes significantly to the knowledge of researchers in the field of
environmental education and sustainable development. The paper's findings and
recommendations can inform the development of more effective EE programs and policies in
Ethiopia and other countries, and can contribute to the broader literature on environmental
education and sustainable development.

FOUNDATION
In terms of theoretical foundations, the paper draws on several frameworks, including:

1. The infusion approach to environmental education, which emphasizes the integration of

environmental concepts and issues into existing curricula and subjects.

2. The Chalk and Talk system of teaching, which focuses on rote memorization of factual
knowledge and does not promote critical thinking or problem-solving skills.

3. The need for transformative learning and critical thinking in environmental education, which
involves challenging students' assumptions and beliefs and encouraging them to think critically
about environmental issues.

4. The importance of community-based approaches to environmental education, which involves

engaging local communities in environmental issues and promoting collective action.

GENERAL CRITIQUE
 In terms of the literature review, the authors did a good job of building upon the
appropriate foundation by drawing on several theoretical and conceptual frameworks.
 The authors also provided a comprehensive review of the relevant literature on
environmental education in Ethiopia and other countries, which helped to contextualize
their study and identify gaps and challenges in the field.
  In terms of the novelty of the ideas presented in the paper, the authors did not necessarily
present new ideas, but they did provide a comprehensive analysis of the state of
environmental education in Ethiopian schools and identified several gaps and challenges
that need to be addressed to promote sustainable development and address environmental
problems.
 The authors also provided evidence-based recommendations for improving EE programs
in Ethiopian schools, which can inform the development of more effective EE programs
and policies in Ethiopia and other countries.
 The authors discuss most of what they promise in the introduction and outline.
 The research has some shortcomings and limitations. For example, the study only focuses
on schools in Addis Ababa and does not provide a representative sample of schools in
Ethiopia.
 Additionally, the study only examines the perspectives of students and does not include
the perspectives of teachers, parents, or other stakeholders.
 The literature review could have made a greater contribution by providing a more
detailed analysis of the theoretical and conceptual frameworks that underpin
environmental education and sustainable development.

ENVIRONMENTAL BEHAVIOR, KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDE

TOWARD SUSTAINABILITY IN ETHIOPIAN CIVIL SERVICE
UNIVERSITY
Author name: - Aklilu Bekele Chorito
Year of publication: - 2021
Research title: - Environmental Behaviour, Knowledge and Attitude toward Sustainability in
Ethiopian Civil Service University

INTRODUCTION
OBJECTIVES

 The objectives of the thesis are to examine the knowledge, attitude, and behavior of
students towards environmental sustainability in Ethiopian Civil Service University, and
to shed light on the relationship between socio-demographic factors and environmental
sustainability issues.
DOMAIN OF THE PAPER

The domain of the thesis is environmental sustainability in the university setting.

INTENDED AUDIENCE

The intended audience of the thesis is not explicitly stated, but it is likely written for an academic
audience at the undergraduate or graduate level. The reader should have a general background in
environmental sustainability and higher education. The reader should be familiar with the
concepts of sustainability, environmental education, and sustainable development.

APPROPRIATENESS OF THE THESIS

The thesis topic is appropriate because it addresses an important issue in higher education and
contributes to the understanding of environmental sustainability practices in Ethiopian Civil
Service University. The thesis provides valuable insights into the current state of sustainability
practices and attitudes in the university setting, which can inform future policies and practices.

SUMMARY
CONCEPTS/PROBLEM/OPPORTUNITY

The thesis addresses the concepts of environmental sustainability, knowledge, attitude, and
behavior in the context of Ethiopian Civil Service University. The problem being addressed is
the lack of explicit knowledge of environmental sustainability issues in the university and the
shortage of knowledge on the relationship between socio-demographic factors and environmental
sustainability issues.

RESEARCH GAPS/STATEMENTS OF THE PROBLEM

The research gaps identified in the thesis include the lack of studies on environmental
knowledge, attitude, and behavior towards environmental sustainability in Ethiopian higher
education, and the shortage of works of literature that expose information about environmental
sustainability in the university. The statement of the problem is that there is a lack of explicit
knowledge of environmental sustainability issues in Ethiopian Civil Service University.

THEORY/MODELS/CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORKS
The thesis draws on the principles of environmental sustainability and sustainable development
as key points in policy development and activities of higher education institutions.

RESULTS
The thesis examines the knowledge, attitude, and behaviour of students towards environmental
sustainability in Ethiopian Civil Service University.

Finding

 The study found that there is a lack of explicit knowledge of environmental sustainability
issues in the university, and that there is a link between socio-demographic characteristics
and students' environmental sustainability knowledge, attitude, and conduct.

Recommendations

 The study recommends implementing a variety of live sustainability programs to improve

sustainable practice among university students, and suggests that institutional
commitment is important to motivate college populations to value or have positive
attitudes toward environmental sustainability.
 The study concludes that multiple environmental project activities with a high
commitment to take responsibility are required for successful sustainability practice
across the university.

CONTRIBUTIONS
Yes, I believe the thesis literature contributes something to the knowledge of researchers in the
field of environmental sustainability in higher education. The thesis provides a valuable case
study of environmental sustainability practices and attitudes in Ethiopian Civil Service
University, which can inform future policies and practices in the university setting.

FOUNDATION
The thesis draws on the principles of environmental sustainability and sustainable development
as key points in policy development and activities of higher education institutions. These
principles are based on the idea that economic development should be pursued in a way that does
not compromise the ability of future generations to meet their own needs
GENERAL CRITIQUE
 The literature review in the thesis is well-structured and provides a comprehensive
overview of the relevant literature on environmental sustainability in higher education.
 The literature review is recent and sufficient, covering a wide range of topics related to
environmental sustainability.
 The authors chose the correct approach by using a mixed research approach, to increase
understanding about the dynamics, opinions, and perceptions of respondents about
environmental knowledge and behavior towards sustainability issues.
 The authors executed the approach properly by collecting primary data through survey
questionnaires and key informant interviews, and secondary data through desk research.
The authors also analyzed the data using appropriate statistical methods
 The authors discuss everything they promise in the introduction and outline.
 The limits of the generalizability of the findings and makes it difficult to draw broader
conclusions about the state of sustainability practices and attitudes in higher education.
 Another limitation is that the literature review does not provide a clear conceptual
framework or theoretical model to guide the study.
 While the review provides a comprehensive overview of the literature, it does not engage
in a critical analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of the existing research, or identify
areas where further research is needed.

PARTICIPATION OF BOYS AND GIRLS IN SCHOOL

ENVIRONMENTAL CLUBS: THE CASE OF HOLETA SECONDARY
AND PREPARATORY AND YEMANE BIRHAN SECONDARY SCHOOL
ENVIRONMENTAL CLUBS, ETHIOPIA
Author name: - Tayech Ourgicho Didemo
Year of publication: - 2009
Research title: - Participation of Boys and Girls in School Environmental Clubs in Ethiopia: The
Case of Holeta and Yemane Birhan Secondary Schools

INTRODUCTION
OBJECTIVES
  The objectives of the thesis are to investigate the level of participation of boys and girls
in school environmental clubs in Ethiopia, to identify the factors that influence their
participation, and to explore how the school administrations, government organizations,
and NGOs address the challenges of participation.

THESIS'S DOMAIN

The thesis's domain is the topic of school environmental clubs in Ethiopia and their role in
promoting environmental education and awareness among students.

INTENDED AUDIENCE

The intended audience of the thesis is likely to be academic researchers, policymakers, and
practitioners interested in environmental education, gender, and social inclusion. The thesis is
written at a graduate level, and the reader should have a general background in environmental
education, gender studies, and research methods. The reader should be familiar with the concepts
of non-formal education, environmental problems in Ethiopia, and the role of schools in
promoting environmental awareness.

APPROPRIATENESS OF THE THESIS

The thesis topic is appropriate as it aligns with the mission statement of the University and the
Center for Environment and Development perspective, which aims to promote sustainable
development through research, education, and community engagement. The thesis addresses an
important issue of promoting environmental education and awareness among students in
Ethiopia, which is crucial for achieving sustainable development goals.

SUMMARY
CONCEPTS/PROBLEM/OPPORTUNITY

The concepts being addressed in the thesis are school environmental clubs, environmental
education, gender, and social inclusion. The thesis aims to investigate the level of participation
of boys and girls in school environmental clubs in Ethiopia and identify the factors that influence
their participation.

RESEARCH GAPS/STATEMENTS OF THE PROBLEM

The problem being addressed is the low level of participation of girls in school environmental
clubs, which limits their access to environmental education and awareness programs. The
research gaps identified in the thesis include the lack of studies on the participation of girls in
school environmental clubs in Ethiopia, the limited understanding of the factors that influence
their participation, and the inadequate attention given to gender and social inclusion in promoting
environmental education. The statement of the problem is that despite the efforts to promote
environmental education through school environmental clubs, the participation of girls remains
low, and there is a need to identify the factors that influence their participation and address the
challenges.

THEORY/MODELS/CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORKS

The thesis uses the conceptual framework of the ladder of participation for young people,
developed by Roger Hart, to understand the different levels of participation of boys and girls in
school environmental clubs. The theory of social inclusion is also used to explore the role of
gender and social factors in promoting participation in environmental education.

RESULTS
The thesis investigates the level of participation of boys and girls in school environmental clubs
in Ethiopia and identifies the factors that influence their participation.

Finding

 The study finds that girls' participation in school environmental clubs is lower than boys
due to various factors such as cultural norms, lack of support from parents and teachers,
and limited access to resources.

Recommendations

 The study recommends that school administrations, government organizations, and

NGOs should adopt strategies to promote gender equity and social inclusion in school
environmental clubs.
 The study suggests that the ladder of participation for young people and the theory of
social inclusion can be used to promote girls' participation in school environmental clubs.
CONTRIBUTIONS
Yes, the thesis literature contributes to the knowledge of researchers in the research field of
environmental education, gender, and social inclusion. The thesis provides valuable insights into
the level of participation of boys and girls in school environmental clubs in Ethiopia and
identifies the factors that influence their participation.

FOUNDATION
The article is built on two theoretical foundations: the ladder of participation for young people
and the theory of social inclusion. The ladder of participation for young people is a conceptual
framework developed by Roger Hart to understand the different levels of participation of young
people in decision-making processes. The theory of social inclusion is another theoretical
foundation used in the thesis. Social inclusion refers to the process of ensuring that all
individuals and groups have equal access to resources, opportunities, and services.

GENERAL CRITIQUE
 The authors built upon the appropriate foundation by using the ladder of participation for
young people and the theory of social inclusion as the theoretical foundations for their
study.
 They also conducted an intensive literature review before going into the field.
 The authors chose the correct approach and executed it properly by using a qualitative
research design to explore the level of participation of boys and girls in school
environmental clubs in Ethiopia.
 The author also compares the level of participation of boys and girls in school
environmental clubs in Ethiopia with the ladder of participation for young people, which
is a conceptual framework developed by Roger Hart to understand the different levels of
participation of young people in decision-making processes.
 The authors discussed everything they promised in the introduction and outline.
 Additionally, the author had to use a translator for some interviewees due to language
barriers, which could have resulted in the loss of important data in the translation process.
 While the literature review provides a comprehensive overview of the existing literature
on environmental education, gender, and social inclusion, it could have made a more
 significant contribution by exploring the role of cultural and societal norms in influencing
the participation of boys and girls in school environmental clubs.
 The author briefly mentions the influence of cultural and societal norms on gender roles
but does not delve deeper into this topic.
 The literature review provides adequate and appropriate examples and illustrations to
support the author's arguments.
REFERENCES
1. Chorito, A.B. (2021). Environmental Behavior, Knowledge and Attitude Toward
Sustainability in Ethiopian Civil Service University. International Journal of
Environmental Protection and Policy, 9(5), 123-131. DOI: 10.11648/j.ijepp.20210905.12
2. Didemo, Tayech Ourgicho. "Participation of Boys and Girls in School Environmental
Clubs in Ethiopia: The Case of Holeta and Yemane Birhan Secondary Schools." 2009.
Master's thesis, Larenstein University of Applied Sciences.
3. Mulugeta Awayehu Gugssa. (2023). Characterizing environmental education practices in
Ethiopian primary schools. International Journal of Educational Development, 102,
102848. Available online 21 July 2023. ISSN 0738-0593. Published by Elsevier Ltd. This
is an open access article under the CC BY license
(http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
4. Sulaiman, H., Natarajan, A., & Unknown. (2009). A study on the environmental
education in the metropolis schools of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Journal of Environmental
Extension, 7(1). doi: 10.4314/jext.v7i1.2762
5. Zikargae, M.H. (2018). Analysis of environmental communication and its implication for
sustainable development: A case study of Amhara National Regional State
Environmental Protection Authority, Ethiopia. Science of the Total Environment, 634,
1593-1600. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.04.139