PRACTICE AND CHALLENGES OF INDIGENOUS CONFLICT RESOLUTION MECHANISMS IN DAMOT WOYDE WOREDA, WOLAITA ZONE, SNNPR, ETHIOPIA.

Abstract

Conflict exists at all levels and may arise due to the desire for political, economic and social advantages, greed, ego-related problems, injustice, inequitable distribution of resources and plain mischief. Conflict is a normal, inescapable part of life, which can occur in any relationship at any time, and it gives opportunity and it allows one to understand opposing preferences and values. This study is designed to assess the practice and challenges of indigenous conflict resolution mechanisms in Damot woyde woreda, wolaita zone in the SNNPR State of Ethiopia. The study has been carried out by focusing on; the current practice of indigenous conflict resolution method, the specific roles of indigenous conflict resolution method in promoting peace and Stability, indigenous conflict resolution mechanism applied in the study area and finally, the challenges for the effective practice of indigenous conflict resolution mechanism. The sample size of this study was twenty-six people selected through the purposive sampling. Data were collected through interviews, focus group discussions, observations and presented using narrative description. The finding of the study revealed that traditional conflict resolution mechanisms have a very significant role. The results further indicate that the relevant conflicts occurring in the study area are inheritance, land and resources particularly farm plots as manifested in the trace passing and border and marriage related issues. The study further explored the advantages of indigenous conflict resolution systems and practices to peace and stability. Indigenous method of conflict resolution system helped the households who used it, to save their money and time compared to formal court system. Based on the findings of the study there are different challenges ICR mechanism currently faces. Such as; lack of government support and the process of selecting elders for training is filed by corrupt practices. Lack of office for local elders is another challenge for these elders to perform their activity. Finally based on the study findings and conclusion drawn, necessary and relevant recommendations were forwarded by the researcher to the concerned body, especially to overcome the challenges of ICR mechanism .