TITLE:
The Roles, Challenges and Opportunities of Gadaa System in Resolving Water Conflict: The Case of Borana Oromo
AUTHORS:
Ketema Tafa Biratu, Obsa Mamo Kosa
KEYWORDS:
Gadaa System, Indigenous Institution, Water Conflict, Borana Oromo
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Social Sciences,
Vol.8 No.2,
February
13,
2020
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.