Abstract:
The main purpose of this study was to explore the role of indigenous conflict resolution
mechanisms in peace building process in Mareka Woreda of Dawro Zone. The study
employed a qualitative case study design to meet the stated objectives of the study. To
achieve the above objective, the primary data was collected from different informants
in Mareka Woreda by employing such qualitative data collection techniques as key
informant interview and focus group discussions. A total number of 32 informants
participated in the study. The secondary data were obtained mostly from unpublished
government documents; such as annuals, reports and other related court reports. The
finding of the research revealed that the indigenous conflict resolution mechanism is still
one of the major ways of resolving conflict in the study area. Shobbiyaa, Bayratetsa, and
ottiyaa are the major types of indigenous conflict resolution mechanisms in the study
area. The study also disclosed that elders are the major participants of indigenous
conflict resolution mechanisms in the study area. The study also highlighted weaknesses
and strengths of indigenous conflict resolution mechanisms in the study area.
Accordingly, elder’s domination, low participation of women’s and youths, and
sometimes existence of biasedness are the main drawbacks of indigenous conflict
resolution mechanisms. Accessibility to the local community, rapid response to
conflicting parties, cost effectiveness, and its ability in bringing durable peace between
the conflicting parties after the resolution found to be the strengths of indigenous
conflict resolution mechanisms. Thus as this finding showed that indigenous conflict
resolution mechanism is not only to resolve different conflicts, but also plays crucial role
in terms of building peace in the study area. The researcher recommends that the
concerned bodies are expected to boost the participation of women and youths to
minimize the biasness and elders domination in the process of indigenous conflict
resolution mechanisms
