Research proposal on Prospective and Challenges of Security enhancement on

Ethio-Djibouti Railway transport :( The Case Study of Sebeta-Dawale railway Line)

Assignment for the course of Advanced Research Methodology in social science

(SSM 411)

Submitted to: Mezid [Link] (PHD)

Assistant professor of Economics

By: Ansha Tola

ID No: _________

Ethiopian Police University

June 2024
Sendafa
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

No Content Page
Table of contents i
Acronyms and Abbreviations ii
1 Introduction 1
2 Statement of the problem 1
3 Objectives of the Study 2
3.1 General objective 2
32 Specific objectives 2
4 Scope of the study 3
5 Limitation of the study 3
6 Significance of the study 4
7 Metrology 5
7.1 Research design 5
7.2 Sources of data 5
7.3 Target population 5
7.4 Sample size determination 5
7.5 Sampling selection technique 6
7.6 Methods of Analysis 6
7.7 Tools and instruments of data collection 7
conclusion 8
Acronyms and Abbreviations

EDR: - Ethio-Djibouti Railway

CRG: - China Railway Group
CCECC: - China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation
KM: - kilo meter
Research proposal on Prospective and Challenges of Security enhancement on
Ethio-Djibouti Railway transport :( The Case Study of Sebeta-Dawale railway Line)

Introduction

Ethiopia and Djibouti have a long history of joint operation experiences with railway
transportation. The first railway, which was built more than 100 years ago is still operating with
very small capacities between Djibouti and Dire-dawa. The modern Ethio-Djibouti Railway also
called Addis Ababa- Djibouti railway is the first cross-border electrified railway in the region.
This railway line cover a distance of 780 kilometer electrified standard gauge line between
Ethiopia and Djibouti, with more than 45 stations. By Ethiopian side, the line has also linked
with Dire-dawa industrial park and mojo dry ports to easily download import goods and to load
export goods.
This new railway line was constructed by Chinese state-owned companies called China Railway
Group (CRG) and China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC). These
companies were operating the railway for a period of six years following construction
completion. The line was opened for freight in October 2015 and was formally inaugurated for
passenger services in October 2016.
As a landlocked country, the line serves as a main transport corridor for both countries to import
and export tons of goods daily. It is also playing a crucial role in repatriation of people from
Ethiopia to Djibouti and vies versa. Thus, it has strategically several importance for the rapid
growth of Ethiopian economy.

However, this means of transports plays an important role in facilitating import and export goods
and passenger, there have been efforts to enhance the safety and security along the railway line
which are facing various challenges such as theft of screws, cutting of electric cables, damaging
of different infrastructures and an occasional act of regional conflicts and other security threats
which needs to be resolved by providing special attention to the line. Thus, this research proposal
aims at comprehensively exploring the prospective and challenges of expected future difficulties
and the existing security concerns along the Sebeta-Dawale line of the Ethiopia-Djibouti railway.
Statements of the problem
The Ethio-Djibouti railway plays a crucial role in the transportation of goods and passengers
between the two countries. According to some written documents, the demand for railway
transportation is dramatically increased specially in Ethiopian side. Upon the beginning of the
new railway, demand could increase from its present share of 5% per year to 60% share between
the two countries per year or more. However, current security measures are inadequate to
effectively address emerging security threats such as theft, damages and potential terrorist
activities. This research aims to identify prospective security enhancements and address the
challenges present in ensuring the safety and security of the railway users and infrastructure.

By conducting comprehensive research and implementing targeted justification strategies, the

stakeholders can safeguard the railway's operations and contribute to the socio economic
development of the region. The findings of this study will contribute to enhancing the
operational efficiency, sustainability, and reliable security of the railway line, ultimately
benefiting both countries involved and promoting regional economic development. The findings
are also helpful in developing effective strategies for policy makers, law enforcement agencies
and local communities to reduce security challenges and threats on the railway line

Research questionnaires
1. What is the existing security challenges facing Ethiopia-Djibouti railway?
2. What are the consequences for regional stability and economic development?
3. How can they be addressed through effective risk management strategies?
4. How can the stakeholders collaborate to ensure the stability and security of this railway?

Research Objectives

3.1. General objective

The main objective of this research proposal is to identify the key security advantages and
challenges of Ethiopia-Djibouti railway and conduct an in-depth evaluation and provide practical
recommendations for EDR, law enforcement agencies, local communities and policy makers in
developing effective strategies that can reduce ongoing security challenges and to contribute
successful and reliable operation of the infrastructure free from any security threats.
3.2. Specific objectives
 To identify the major security challenges that faced the Ethio -Djibouti railway
 To analyze the security threats along the railway line and assess their potential impacts on
the safety of the railway operation
 To evaluate challenges that may affect the operational efficiency and sustainability of the
Ethiopia-Djibouti railway
 To propose policy recommendations and strategies aimed at addressing the existing security
challenges in rail operation processes

Scope of the study:

As it has been mentioned in the introduction part, Ethio-Djibouti railway line covers a total of
780 km. Out of these; about 90 km is located in the Djibouti’s territory. This research proposal
does not study the situation in Djibouti across the border of Ethiopia due to various reasons.
However, the researcher will use information which gained from authorities in the border and the
joint managers of the railway line in Ethiopian side.

Limitations of the study-

While conducting this study, the researcher will expect to confront with various problems which
may have a direct or indirect impact on the validity and the reliability of the study. Some of these
are unavailability of well-structured and organized secondary data, Fear of respondents to give
required information and efforts to mitigate response biases through anonymous surveys and
impartial questioning, accessibility and Potential difficulty in accessing high-level officials or
sensitive data addressed by establishing robust networks and securing necessary permissions,
potential difficulties in achieving a representative sample of passengers and employees due to
lack of financial costs for transport, materials and time constraints related to loads of work in the
organization in addition to performing this study.

Significance of the study

This research is significant as it provides a comprehensive understanding of the perspectives and
security challenges surrounding the Ethiopia-Djibouti railway. The researcher believes that the
findings of this study will contribute to enhancing the operational efficiency, sustainability, and
safe security for the railway line, ultimately benefiting for both countries involved and promoting
regional economic development. As some theories explained that, by understanding potential
threats and risks, which provide through different research findings, individuals or organizations
can better prevent their organizations. This proactive approach also helps them in safeguarding
their assets and resources from any dangers such as physical attacks, cybercrimes, natural
disasters, and more. Ultimately, this knowledge empowers individuals and entities to enhance
their resilience, protect their interests and maintain a secure environment for their properties and
employees.
Studying prospective and challenges to enhance security for Ethiopia-Djibouti railway has a
significant importance for both countries. Because, secure railway system will increase import
and export confidence, facilitate smooth flow of goods and services, and contribute economic
growth for the countries. According to this, Ethiopia-Djibouti railway is playing a dynamic role
in linking the two countries and promoting trade and economic development in the countries. So
ensuring security along the railway line is essential for the safety transport movements.
Addressing security challenges will not only protect people and goods but also enhance the
overall quality of transportation services.

Methodology:
Research Design
This research proposal will use a mixed-methods design, combining qualitative and quantitative
approaches to comprehensively examine the prospective and security challenges on the Ethiopia-
Djibouti railway. Mixed-methods approach helps the researcher to develop the understanding of
the issues through both numerical data and in-depth perceptions.

Sources of Data
In order to undertake this research, the researcher will use both primary and secondary data.
Primary data will be collected through Surveys and interviews with concerned persons such are
security personnel, management officials and selected passengers.

Secondary data will be sourced from Government reports, policy documents, security incident
records, academic journals, and news articles.
 Target Population
The target population for this study is Key stakeholders including High-level officials from
railway authorities, border security experts and security personnel, federal police railway
protection department officers, passengers, and local government representatives and community
members along the Ethiopia-Djibouti railway corridor.

Sample size determination

Stratified random sample of 300 respondents comprising will take 60 railway employees and
security bodies, 20 passengers, and 50 local community members. number of Interviews is 20 in-
depth semi-structured interviews using predefined set of open-ended questions focusing on
security challenges, future plans for railway improvement, and stakeholder’s coordination.
Distribution method is physical at railway [Link] gain essential data, the participants of this
study will be selected through purposively and random sampling techniques based on their
capacity to provide the necessary information associated to the research area. Purposive
sampling technique is a technique of selecting a sample from the population based on the
importance of the respondents. Based on this, three police stations leaders will be selected
through purposive sampling technique for interview questions, because of the target population
number is very small.

Focus groups will be selected from participants each, including local government officials,
community impacts and security incidents. On the other hand, the police members will be
selected through simple random sampling technique for questionnaires. This sampling technique
used to give equal chance for each member of the target population to be selected for
questionnaires. This method provides a way for selecting a sample in the population that has
equal chance of appearing in the sample.

Therefore, the researcher decided to select the respondents through purposive and random
sampling techniques.
Sampling selection technique
The researcher has planned to use both qualitative and quantitative data. Qualitative data will be
collected from selected samples by using structured and unstructured questionnaires and face to
face discussions. Quantitative data will be collected using percentage and descriptive statistics
(mean, median, mode), inferential statistics (chi-square tests, t-tests), and regression analysis to
identify patterns and relationships). Graphs, charts, and tables are also used to present key
findings.

Methods of analysis
This research will practice a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative data analysis with
qualitative research methods. Data collection will involve surveys, interviews with key
stakeholders, and analysis of existing literature on operation of the rail and border security.
Statistical tools will be used to analyze the impacts, while thematic analysis will be applied to
understand the implications. Thematic analysis is to identify recurring themes, content analysis is
to quantify qualitative data, and narrative analysis is for detailed account interpretations. The
study will also engage with local communities to gather firsthand experiences and perspectives
on the issue
Tools and instruments for data collection
For the purposes of this research proposal, the following tools and instruments for data collection
have been given attention
1. Questionnaires: this is to gather information from stakeholders such as employees, local
communities, civil security personnel and federal police officers regarding their perceptions of
security on the railway.
2. Interviews: Conducting in-depth interviews with key stakeholders such as railway
management, concerned government officials, security experts, and gain insights into security
challenges and possible solutions.
3. Observations: Directly observing security procedures, infrastructure, and passenger behavior
on the railway to identify existing vulnerabilities.
4. Document analysis: Reviewing existing reports, policies, and data related to security
measures and current incidents on the Ethiopia-Djibouti railway.
5. Technologies: Utilizing data analytics and other advanced technologies to assess security risks
and recommend possible enhancements.

Following this methodology, the research aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the
prospective and challenges of security enhancement on the Ethiopia-Djibouti railway, contribute
considerations that can help both policy and operational strategies for improvement.
Conclusion
By conducting a study on the prospective and challenges of security enhancement on the
Ethiopia-Djibouti railway, valuable insights can be gained to inform policy decisions, improve
security measures, and ensure the sustainability and success of this critical transportation line.
It's very essential to carefully consider tools and instruments which may challenges when
designing a research proposal to enhance security on the Ethiopia-Djibouti railway.

Ethical Considerations
Informed Consent: All participants will be given a clear explanation of the research purpose and
their rights, ensuring voluntary participation.

Confidentiality: Safeguarding the privacy of respondents by annoying personal data and securely
storing all collected information.

Timeline

This research proposal has the following five phases with each estimated timeline

 Phase 1: - 2Months for Planning and preparatory activities, including obtaining ethical
approvals and developing survey instruments.
 Phase 2: - 2Months for Primary data collection through surveys, interviews, and focus
groups.
 Phase 3: - 2Months for Secondary data collection, data analysis, and interpretation of
results.
 Phase 4: -2Months for Writing and revision of the final report, including integration of
findings and recommendations.
 Phase 5: - 2Months for Dissemination of research through presentations, publications, and
stakeholder workshops.