Abstract
The main objective of this study was to explore the roles, challenges and opportunities of Gadaa system on water conflict resolution in Borana Zone of Oromia. Qualitative method was used to achieve the objectives of the study. Relevant information was gathered from both primary and secondary sources. With regard to collecting the primary data, key informant interview; structured and semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, and observation were used. The study revealed that the Gadaa system has been an egalitarian socio-economic, political and cultural system which had been practiced by the Oromo society for a long time. It had been guiding and regulating the life of the Oromo in relation to other peoples and their environment. The study also confirmed that Gadaa system has a great role in resolving conflicts that occur in a society by employing customary laws. The roles of women in conflict resolution within Gadaa system, the constraints faced Gadaa system’s institutions while resolving conflicts and the main water organs of Borana Oromo are other findings of this study. The study also came up with the historical roles of Gadaa system, procedures of conflict resolving and social structures of the Borana Oromo society. Lastly, the study verified the Borana Oromo’s view of conflict. Though most of the key informants viewed conflict as inevitable and natural which could prevail in any society on the contrary, few of them viewed conflict as bad and destructive. The findings further showed the opportunities of practicing Gadaa system for Ethiopia as well as for Oromo community.
Highlights
Ethiopia has a strong cultural heritage and various indigenous communities based social institutions or self-support systems that play a greater role in conflict resolutions, communities’ well-being, stability and security (Abebe, 2012)
The findings further showed the opportunities of practicing Gadaa system for Ethiopia as well as for Oromo community
Gadaa system had been practiced by the Oromo people from time of immemorial
Summary
Ethiopia has a strong cultural heritage and various indigenous communities based social institutions or self-support systems that play a greater role in conflict resolutions, communities’ well-being, stability and security (Abebe, 2012). These indigenous institutions are very useful for conflict management mechanisms as they allow communities to handle their problems in their own way. The culture of the people is deeply rooted in the Gadaa system which is a democratic political, economic and social system. The interconnectedness and overlapping features of Oromo cultural values Gadaa system’s conflict resolving institution constituted the unity of complex systems of knowledge. There is a growing need to maintain the unity of Oromo’s all systems of knowledge (Abebe, 2012)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 
Published Version (
Free)
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call