AN INVESTIGATION ON THE SOCIO-ECONOMIC IMPACT OF ILLEGAL GUN PROLIFERATION: THE CASE OF GONDAR CITY ADMINISTRATION

Abstract

Illegal gun Proliferation is one of the serious social and economic challenges for communities in the world whether in the time of peace or conflict. Thus, the central objective of the study was to investigate the socio-economic impact of illegal gun proliferation in the case of Gondar city Administration. The study was basically qualitative case study using both primary and secondary sources of data. The sampling technique was non-probability sampling technique which includes convenience, snowball and purposive sampling. The data gathered from key informants (11), FGD (12), convenience (15) and brokers (3) are held to interview and discussion. Accordingly, the data was collected through in-depth interview with key informants, illegal brokers, and focus group discussion organized from elders. The study has revealed that the status of illegal gun proliferation in Gondar city administration is high. This has negative impact on the social & economic security such as deaths, injuries, extension of conflicts, displacement, destruction of properties. According to the findings of the study, the driving factors for illegal gun proliferation are cultural, security dilemma, regional and National dynamics, the weakness of rules and regulation and the weakness of security forces to control arms traffickers, high militarization of the society and privatization of security. To reduce the problems, the study recommended that different measures shall be taken by government and its agencies, stakeholders, communities and neighbor states to work cooperatively, enacted compiled and strong rule and regulation, and implement the law practically are used to minimizing the rising of small arms.