ASSESSING SOCIOECONOMIC AND POLITICAL MARGINALIZA- TIONS OF TRADITIONAL POTTERS IN TEMABARO SPECIAL WOREDA OF CENTRAL ETHIOPIA REGIONAL STATE

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to assess socio-economic and political marginalization of the ‘Tradi- tional Potters in Tembaro special Worda of CERS. Descriptive research design was employed and qualitative approach was followed. All the respondents from traditional potters, stakehold- ers from government offices, religious leaders, local frontrunners and elders from Temabro spe- cial Woreda were selected by using purposive sampling technique based on expertise, aware- ness, age, and roles in the community. The inclusion of these participants in the study through purposive sampling enabled the researcher to obtain reliable data that showed diverse set of views and achieve the study objectives. To this effect, the researcher employed non-probability purposive sampling technique in order to select 68 individuals from three villages namely Fer- zano Durgi and Sigazo, where the potters are large in numbers. The relevant data to the study were collected through interview along with focus group discussion. The data gathered were an- alyzed by using thematic analysis. The findings revealed that low social interaction, low in- volvement in social activities, like ‘idir’ and ‘ikub’, unequal access to education, failure to make intermarriage with other social groups were some of the manifestations for social marginaliza- tion of the Traditional Potters in the study area. Regarding economic concerns; inequitable economic and livelihood opportunities, low productivity and lack of economic rights, such as access to credit, loan, land and market place. In light of political marginalization; denial of rights for political participation in local and woreda/zonal/regional matters, and failure to hold representative position within society and so on are among the major indications. The study sug- gested that the Woreda administrations and NGOs need to put a coordinated efforts in provid- ing awareness and education for community, involving potters in social activities, like ‘Idir’ and ‘Ikub’, providing equal access to education, ensuring impartial access to economic rights like land, and assuring equal participation on political concerns.