Culture and Development: In the case of Waghemra Community, Northern Ethiopia

Abstract

The Waghemra community is one of the ethnic groups in northern Ethiopia with multicultural outlooks. This study is entitled Culture and Development in Waghhemra Community. The objective of the study is to investigate the significance of Waghemra community culture for development. The study was conducted in four districts and one city administration. The data were collected through observation, interview and focus group discussion. The data were analysed using contextual analysis method. The results of the study indicated that the culture of the community has a significant contribution to development and that the culture is a supporter of the development. In particular, the study was able to examine the contribution of performing arts to development. In addition, the study shows that material cultures, especially pottery, have a positive contribution in terms of economic development, in addition to showing the philosophical status and history of the society. However, the spread of the industrial revolution, the society's negative attitude towards material culture and their low value threatened the sector. In the study, it was found that folk medicines have a direct relationship with development. The research indicates that folk-medicines have a great role in protecting nature and animals, and protecting the ecosystem, apart from the health care provided to the community.