They feel that they can do this with better overall agricultural output through better water management, for example a reduction in the size of irrigation projects to reduce waste.
The plan is also focused on shifting Ethiopia's economy from one in which 85% of the populace is engaged in agriculture to one in which people earn their money through trades and industry. The plan holds this will lift people out of poverty and build the economy from the lowest levels up.
The timeframe for the first stages of this development plan has come, so the second stages are underway. Sustainable development in Ethiopia is a long-term objective. With respect to women, the plan includes provisions on improving women's access to health care. The Women's Development Initiatives project (WDIP) represents a commitment to women's equality by improving female education and providing rural women with more economic opportunities.
The poverty focus allows the plan to incorporate all elements of sustainable development. By contrast, Canada's plan is market driven, with the exception of provisions for government agencies and minor legislation such as the Clean Air Act. It is focused more on development with a hint of sustainability. Ethiopia has many NGO partners and donors that will allow it to finance its plan and organize some of the logistical aspects. Ethiopia also has specific targets and time frames, and a clear vision of the country's sustainable growth trajectory. Canada's plan illustrates mainly vague commitments, does not tie sustainability directly into development, and lacks clear vision.
Works Cited:
Government of Canada Sustainable Development website, various pages. (2009). Retrieved November 25, 2009 from http://www.sdinfo.gc.ca/s16_e.cfm
No author. (2002). Ethiopia: Sustainable development and poverty reduction program. Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia. Retrieved November 25, 2009 from http://siteresources.worldbank.org/INTETHIOPIA/Overview/20207639/2002_07_prsp.pdf
No author. (2007). Canada-Kyoto timeline. CBC. Retrieved November 25, 2009 from http://www.cbc.ca/news/background/kyoto/timeline.html
