Indigenous Survival Strategies in the Face of Famine The Case of Boorana Oromo, Southern Ethiopia
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Date
2002-06
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
The main aim of this study is to investiate the indigenous survival strategies of Boorana
in the face of famine. To this effect different research methods are employed. Some of
this are participant observation, case studies, interviews and analysis of secondary of
the data.
The results of the study show that though the Boorana experienced famine many years
before and in the past few decades, they have been recurrently facing this crisis. It
also shows that to cope with this crisis, the Boorana have developed their own
mechanisms. These mechanisms are the development of indigenous (customary)
resource management strategies, i.e. land, pasture, water successful herd
management, cultural early warning system, food rationing, resorting to faming food,
mobility strategies dependence on market and the like. It also shows that the
households respond to famine differentially depending on their resources.
In addition, the Boorana have developed social institutions which have roles in
resource mobilization, exchanges and upon which households rely during normal and
crisis time. These social institutions are part and parcel of the Gadaa system. The study
also found out that the Boorana try to involve themselves in non pastoral activities as a
means to survive famine. Some of these strategies are recently introduced. This shows
that aspects of change and continuity in their coping mechanisms.
Based on the result of the study it has been, recommended that these indigenous
knowledge has to be preserved and strengthened and be used in combination with
external aid to over come famine and to curb the food insecurity of the pastoralsits in
general and the Boorana in particular
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Social Anthropology