The Roles, Challenges and Opportunities of Gadaa System in Resolving Water Conflict: The Case of Borana Oromo

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.