A Survey on the Effects of Mal-traditional Practices Among Indigenous People in State of Benishangul Gumuz

Shewa Basizew

doi:10.7176/rhss/9-3-01

Abstract

In today's Ethiopia where challenges on development is made by indigenous people in regions, State of Benishangul Gumuz region is extending its effort towards reaching excellence in all aspects including health and societal matters. As part of the country's effort, Benishangul Gumuz region in general and Assosa University in particular carries out various studies based on scientific plans for scaling up its achievements constantly. However, Mal-traditional practices (MTP's)–Festival Ceremony, marriage related practices (early marriage, Abduction marriage, Bride wealth payment and inheritance marriage), domestic violence and skin cutting) are the most prevalence and challenge phenomena among indigenous people of the region. Thus, this study was aimed at assessing on the effects of mal-traditional practices among indigenous people in State of Benishangul-Gumuz Region. In doing so, the study particularly attempted to examine the level (prevalence) and impact of these mal-traditional practices on socio-economic and health conditions of indigenous people in study areas. To identify the factors hindering government officials in eliminating mal-traditional practices among the indigenous people in the region. The study was designed to be survey where quantitative and qualitative data were gathered through questionnaire. The questionnaire consists of both open-ended and close-ended items. Focus group discussions was made on the indigenous people to collect relevant information. Besides to these, an interview was made with experts and political appointees. Hence, 93 people were involved in the study in filling the questionnaire, 20 people interviewed and 90 people in FGD. Therefore, 203 people were totally the target groups of the study. Results of the study indicated that, the society had knowledge about the prevalence of harmful traditional practices. In the same manner, the society held a kind of favorable practice against MTP's although there remained many people in the society who still ignored and wanted to see their co-existence with the MTP's. As far as practice is concerned, it was found out that MTP's was exercised in their respective areas among indigenous communities, by a large number of people, for diverse reasons(social, economic, cultural cases). Eventually, based on the data interpreted and analyzed, conclusions are made, and recommendations are forwarded. Keywords: Mal-traditional practices (MTP's), prevalence, Practices, marriages, festivities, State of Benishangul Gumuz region. DOI : 10.7176/RHSS/9-3-01

Highlights

Ethiopia today, with over 90 million people, the third largest country in Africa, has a great number of ethnic groups, whose cultures are as rich and varied as their composition
By mal-traditional practices, we mean all practices done deliberately by human being on the body or the consciousness of other human beings for no beneficial purpose, but rather for cultural or socioconventional intentions and which have harmful consequences on the health and the rights of the victims. These practices have negative impacts often permanently on the life of the girl, the boys, the women, the children, the mother, the husband or their family members; it is a societal phenomenon (Morissand Akouyaté, May 2009:1). Some traditional practices such as early marriage, Abduction, Exchange Marriage, Festivals, Bride-wealth payment, Inheritance marriage, Funerals, Domestic violence, skin cutting practices and others have the effect of jeopardizing the health of the population and interfere with human rights of the individual who conforms to the practice
The level of prevalence of mal-traditional practices such as festivals, marriage related practices, early marriage, abduction marriage, inheritance marriage, bride wealth payment and domestic violence against women and girls and skin cutting were the harmful practices internalized among indigenous people of the region for long time

Summary

Introduction

With over 90 million people, the third largest country in Africa, has a great number of ethnic groups, whose cultures are as rich and varied as their composition. Some traditional practices such as early marriage, Abduction, Exchange Marriage, Festivals, Bride-wealth payment, Inheritance marriage, Funerals, Domestic violence, skin cutting practices and others have the effect of jeopardizing the health of the population and interfere with human rights of the individual who conforms to the practice These should be dealt with and eradicated from the country in general and state of Benishangul Gumuz region in particular. Every culture has its ways of valuing women, children, girls and boys, and assigns different patterns of behaviors, attitudes, roles, rights, responsibilities and expectations in the socialization process (Awoke Bayehetail, 2015) This is the case for prevalent of mal-traditional practices among indigenous people in the State of Benishangul-Gumuz region. Tongo special Woreda was selected where Mao and Komo people are to live

Methods

Result

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Conclusions