Browsing by Author "Mehari, Getaneh (PhD)"

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    Indigenous Knowledge of Herbal Medicine and Healing Practice Among the Gamo People: The Case of Dorze Dere Southern Ethiopia
    (Addis Ababa University, 2016-11) Wade, Wagaye; Mehari, Getaneh (PhD)
    The oral nature of indigenous herbal medicinal knowledge and practice poses a challenge that the knowledge is at risk of extinction after some generations unless otherwise documented. The aim of the present study was to investigate and document the indigenous knowledge of herbal medicine and healing practice among the Gamo people in Dorze dere, southern Ethiopia. Secondary data were reviewed for conceptual framework. The primary data were gathered through in-depth interview, focus group discussion and observation. Fieldwork was conducted between February and March, 2016. The data were thematically organized and analyzed through systematic interpretation. The findings of this study revealed that herbal medicinal practitioners in Dorze were both males and females. The indigenous knowledge is acquired either from the herbalist parent or from other places by providing gifts. The knowledge is transferred through orally either to the family members or trusted person that heir herbal medicinal knowledge based on good personality and dedication to serve the community. Medicinal plant collection, drug preparation, preservation, and prescription are directed by the local culture in which the efficacy of medicines is believed to be the result of the natural content of the plants. The herbal medicine and healing is broad in scope in the study area which is practiced for healthcare and healing for illnesses of natural, supernatural, and personal etiology. Both the indigenous herbal medicine and the biomedical healing systems exist together and shifts from one healthcare option to the other and resorts are common among the community. There was no interaction between herbalists and the biomedical workers. In general, indigenous herbal medicine in Dorze occupies major place as part of their cultural beliefs and practices. Keywords/phrases: Dorze, Gamo people, healing, indigenous herbal medicine, indigenous knowledge
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    Woga: An Ethnographic Study of Customary Law Among the Gamo of Ethiopia
    (Addis Ababa University, 2016-06) Zewdie, Zelalem; Mehari, Getaneh (PhD)
    The study of indigenous social institutions has become one of the key issues among social scientists during the past two ceturies. This study is an empirical study aimed at exploring the role of woga (customary law) in upholding group solidarity and the changes it presently facing among the Gamo. The study began by reviewing the available related and relevant literatures, which latter helped the development of objectives of the study. To explore the customary law, data was collected from different key informants, interviews are conducted with individuals who came from different social background and focus group discussions are conducted to explore the meaning of woga, its role and the changes. The data is analyzed and interpreted in relation to the literature. Some cases were analyzed to show the significances of the customary law in the day lives of the study group. To this end, it begins with a discussion about the meaning of woga with different social groups. The study shows that, the customary law has sub-diveded into four categories. The indigenous social institutions such as kawo, woga maga, oge maga and eqa maga play a significant role in enforcing the customary law. The study found that clan also has a pivotal role in the enforcement of the customary law. Qualitative data also shows the customary laws are playing a role in resolving interpersonal, family and inter-dere conflicts. It guides the marriage relationship among the different groups. The study identified that the customary law is discriminatory; that it does not treat women equally with a men and marginalized groups faces biases. The study also identified the institution has been facing various challenges and changes, which adversely affects the effectiveness and efficiency of its role. Government and Non-governmental Organizations should promote its continuity by providing the community conflict resilience through participating all social groups and enhancing local peoples potential and rediscovering elders wisdom and knowledge. Key words: Change, Conflict, customary law, indigenous, Social Institutions, Woga.