Conflicts among Guji Rural Communities and their Indigenous Methods of Conflict Resolution in Dugda Dawa district, West Guji Zone,Oromia regional State, Ethiopia

Abstract

This paper examines conflicts among Guji rural communities and their indigenous methods of conflict resolution in Dugda Dawa district, West Guji zone, Oromia regional state, Ethiopia. Methodologically, data were collected from both primary and secondary sources. Non probability sampling techniques were employed to select sample kebeles and informants. 4 rural kebeles were purposively selected from the 14 total kebeles of the district. A total of 144 participants (96 KII and 48 FGD discussants) were selected by using snowball sampling methods. The primary data of the study were collected through KII, and FGD, and analyzed by thematic method of data analysis. Hence, the results of this study revealed that competition over grazing land, fragmentation in land use system, in appropriate utilization of existing resources and land alienation and encroachment are among the major causes of the conflict among the rural communities in the study area. Loss of lives, severe physical injuries, loss of properties, restricted mobility, reduced social relationships, forced migration etc. are among main consequences of conflicts. The findings of the study revealed that Guji-Oromo people of Dugda Dawa district use customary methods of reconciliation such as Jaarsummaa, and Gondooroo to resolve disputes and also violent conflicts. Minor conflicts and disputes are likely resolved through Jaarsummaa by the mediation of community elders. However, serious cases related to severe physical injuries and losses of human life are likely dealt through Gondooroo by the mediation of Gada leaders and Hayyuu.