- Hawassa University, Social Anthropology, Faculty MemberUniversity of Kent, School of Anthropology and Conservation, Graduate Studentadd
- Development Studies, Sustainable Development, Biocultural conservation, Cultural Anthroplogy, Biocultural Diversity, Cultural Diversity, and 19 moreHistory, Sociology, Anthropology, Conservation, Ethnicity, Identity, Ethnohistory, Lecture notes, USAID, Sacred Sites, history of Ethiopia, SIdama, Podocarpus falcatus, Hawassa University, Ethiopian Public Health Training Initiative, Shared cultural values, SNNPRS, Tambaro, and The Carter Centeredit
- Researcheredit
- Dr Rajindra K. Puri, University of Kent at Canterbury, the United Kingdom, Dr Anna Waldstein, University of Kent at Canterbury, the United Kingdomedit
The idea of policies for holistic social development, healthy communities, and resilient socio-cultural institutions is one of the core issues of literature on sustainable society, development and environment. The nexus between national... more
The idea of policies for holistic social development, healthy communities, and resilient socio-cultural institutions is one of the core issues of literature on sustainable society, development and environment. The nexus between national economic policies, resilient communities, and development is best understood in the context of policies for social development, particularly in terms of building resilient socio-cultural institutions, protecting communities, and ensuring useful traditional knowledge systems. Some research on environment and society in Ethiopia generally focus on policy failures and institutional dysfunctions leading to natural resource degradation and environmental exploitation. Others address increasingly insecure livelihood and political instability as a manifestation of unsuitable society, environment, and development. Further, policy instruments pertaining to environment, and the impact assessments are often analyzed in light of the legal perspective. This study ...
Background: Outbreak response basically entails preparedness which helps to establish arrangements in advance to enable timely, effective and appropriate responses to specific potential hazardous events or emerging disaster situations... more
Background: Outbreak response basically entails preparedness which helps to establish arrangements in advance to enable timely, effective and appropriate responses to specific potential hazardous events or emerging disaster situations that might threaten society/environment. Researches about outbreak response or interventions that focus on post-incident communication have recently been published in a range of disciplinary journals, from organizational psychology to organizational communication one reason that the interventions are successful is because it provides team with a common time and place for purposeful discussion-based learning. Objective: To review outbreak response from the October 2018 Wolayta Zone yellow fever outbreak management in SNNPR, Ethiopia. Methods: Qualitative research approach, with Thematic Analysis. Purposive sampling method was used. Data were collected through FGDs, in-depth interviews, observation and document reviews. Results: However, it is worth-noting that the Review showed that despite late detection, a rapid response team was set up and was able to save the lives of many during the outbreak. The findings further showed there was good coordination among various stakeholders at different levels and with satisfying sharing of roles and responsibilities. Conclusion: The case was detected lately after one month of since the first case were detected and all case which admitted this period were miss-diagnosed of the cases and leading to some deaths. Even though there was a confusion on identifying the first case, after the confirmation of the first case, the case management went as per the standard guideline and SOPs, helping save so many lives through availing the service free of charge.
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Malaria poses a significant public health threat globally, across Africa and in Ethiopia. The use of long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) is currently a proven prevention mechanism. Evidence is building on what happens to LLINs... more
Malaria poses a significant public health threat globally, across Africa and in Ethiopia. The use of long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) is currently a proven prevention mechanism. Evidence is building on what happens to LLINs following mass distribution campaigns, with mixed results from different studies, some reporting very low use for intended purposes, others an encouraging level of using for intended purposes. In Ethiopia, between 2005 and 2015, about 64 million LLINs were distributed through periodic mass campaigns with the aims to achieve 100% coverage and 80% utilization. However, studies from rural Ethiopia showed variable LLINs coverage and utilization rate. The MalTrial Project, a collaborative venture between Hawassa University, Ethiopia and NROAID, Norway, has started a trial project in 2014 in Adami Tullu District of central Ethiopia. Quantitative surveys have established evidence on LLINs ownership and utilization, but the behavioural, sociocultural and socioecono...
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PURPOSE OF THE COURSE: This course provides a broad perspective on world cultures within the context of contemporary change. We examine similarities and differences in human behavior and beliefs across a range of cultures. Important... more
PURPOSE OF THE COURSE: This course provides a broad perspective on world cultures within the context of contemporary change. We examine similarities and differences in human behavior and beliefs across a range of cultures. Important themes in cultural anthropology are considered throughout the course: cultural relativism, how to study culture, theoretical approaches to culture, variation within cultures, systems of social inequality, how and why cultures change, and the role of cultural anthropology in global affairs, policy and problem-solving.
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Background: Outbreak response basically entails preparedness which helps to establish arrangements in advance to enable timely, effective and appropriate responses to specific potential hazardous events or emerging disaster situations... more
Background: Outbreak response basically entails preparedness which helps to establish arrangements in advance to enable timely, effective and appropriate responses to specific potential hazardous events or emerging disaster situations that might threaten society/environment. Researches about outbreak response or interventions that focus on post-incident communication have recently been published in a range of disciplinary journals, from organizational psychology to organizational communication one reason that the interventions are successful is because it provides team with a common time and place for purposeful discussion-based learning. Objective: To review outbreak response from the October 2018 Wolayta Zone yellow fever outbreak management in SNNPR, Ethiopia. Methods: Qualitative research approach, with Thematic Analysis. Purposive sampling method was used. Data were collected through FGDs, in-depth interviews, observation and document reviews. Results: However, it is worth-noti...
This thesis addresses six main objectives answering questions on the origin, nature and social organization of SNS and their custodians; motivations for, and BCD conservation consequences of, their maintenance; threats SNS and ancestral... more
This thesis addresses six main objectives answering questions on the origin, nature and social organization of SNS and their custodians; motivations for, and BCD conservation consequences of, their maintenance; threats SNS and ancestral institutions face and existing governance and protection instruments, with focus on local perceptions among the Wonsho of Sidama, Ethiopia. The study employs anthropologically-oriented, but interdisciplinary, conceptual framework and mixed methods to collect and analyse data. A year of fieldwork (July 2012-June 2013) was carried out using six major data collection methods (including interviews, BD inventory and HHS). The data were analysed using NVivo 10 and SPSS 20/21. The results are presented and discussed in seven key thematic areas and six chapter headings. The main findings are summarized as follows: 1. Forty-eight SNS (whose sizes ranging from a site of a single tree to a 90.6 ha and ages from 28 to ca 375 years) were identified in seven PAs. ...
This paper investigated the indigenous environmental knowledge (IEK) of Borana pastoralists in Dhas district of Borana zone in Southern Ethiopia. To select participants for key informant interview and focus group discussion (FGD),... more
This paper investigated the indigenous environmental knowledge (IEK) of Borana pastoralists in Dhas district of Borana zone in Southern Ethiopia. To select participants for key informant interview and focus group discussion (FGD), snowball sampling was used to pinpoint people who have IEK of Borana pastoralists. Results show that the customary practices of Borana pastoralists that linked to multi-dimensional natural resources management (NRM) include the taxonomy of pastureland and water resources instituted on the season of utility and gazing dimensions, range scouts, herd splitting, cattle mobility, herd diversification, and bush burning. However, currently owing to various factors the IEKs of Borana pastoralists have been facing threatening challenges that question their existence. The study incorporated the capitalization on the customary institutions that advance the IEK and cattle productivity finally improving the livelihoods of the Borana pastoralists. This research intends ...
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There is an inextricable link between biological and cultural diversity, captured in the concept of biocultural diversity, whereby the former (genes, species, and habitats) co-adapt with the latter (knowledge, values, beliefs, practices... more
There is an inextricable link between biological and cultural diversity, captured in the concept of biocultural diversity, whereby the former (genes, species, and habitats) co-adapt with the latter (knowledge, values, beliefs, practices and institutions). Sacred natural sites are increasingly considered showcases for the conservation of biocultural diversity, because their strong cultural importance derives from, and requires maintenance of, biodiversity. The research described in this paper is concerned with the conservation of the threatened “yellowwood” tree (Afrocarpus falcatus) in sacred natural sites of Sidama, southwest Ethiopia. Mixed methods were used to document types of sacred forests sites and the extent and distribution and dominance of A. falcatus in these, to identify drivers of endangerment of A. falcatus and other native woody species in Sidama, Ethiopia and to understand local explanations for the importance and maintenance of these sites. The results suggest that species such as A. falcatus owe their continued existence to resilience of ancestral tree-based rituals within informal protection areas and at homesteads and communal areas. Thus, the maintenance of an ancestral value system serves as an important motivation for the conservation of A. falcatus and other threatened native woody species.
Keywords: biocultural diversity, ancestral values, Afrocarpus falcatus, SNS, conservation, Sidama, Ethiopia
Keywords: biocultural diversity, ancestral values, Afrocarpus falcatus, SNS, conservation, Sidama, Ethiopia
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Researches show biodiversity loss has been happening at an alarming scale in the recent decades and this state of affairs has significant implications for the health of local communities and environments across the world. Sacred natural... more
Researches show biodiversity loss has been happening at an alarming scale in the recent decades and this state of affairs has significant implications for the health of local communities and environments across the world. Sacred natural sites (SNS) are increasingly considered showcases for the conservation of biological and cultural diversity, because their strong cultural importance derives from, and requires maintenance of, biodiversity. Tree biodiversity in general and medicinal plants in particular, which otherwise face increasing endangerment, find protection in SNS. The research described in this paper is concerned with the conservation of threatened medicinal plants in SNS and similar informal protection areas of Sidama, southwest Ethiopia. Mixed methods were used to inventory the medicinal plant biodiversity of such places and explore local understandings and explanations of the role such places play in conservation. The results suggest that where SNS exist, medicinal plants and traditional herbal medicine fare well. Further, the findings demonstrated that some medicinal plant species owe their continued existence to maintenance of SNS. This research is hoped to contribute towards improved understanding of the role SNS play in conserving medicinal plants as well as the resilience and dynamics of traditional herbal medicine in the context of SNS.
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Background: Malaria poses a significant public health threat globally, across Africa and in Ethiopia. The use of long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) is currently a proven prevention mechanism. Evidence is building on what happens to... more
Background: Malaria poses a significant public health threat globally, across Africa and in Ethiopia. The use of long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) is currently a proven prevention mechanism. Evidence is building on what happens to LLINs following mass distribution campaigns, with mixed results from different studies, some reporting very low use for intended purposes, others an encouraging level of using for intended purposes. In Ethiopia, between 2005 and 2015, about 64 million LLINs were distributed through periodic mass campaigns with the aims to achieve 100% coverage and 80% utilization. However, studies from rural Ethiopia showed variable LLINs coverage and utilization rate. The MalTrial Project, a collaborative venture between Hawassa University, Ethiopia and NROAID, Norway, has started a trial project in 2014 in Adami Tullu District of central Ethiopia. Quantitative surveys have established evidence on LLINs ownership and utilization, but the behavioural, sociocultural and socioeconomic dynamics of why LLINs' use for intended purposes is low or why they are employed for other purposes remained elusive. The present qualitative study, building on the quantitative findings and framework, therefore, attempted to fill gaps in these areas using qualitative methods in selected localities of the district. Methods: The study employed 7 focus groups, 16 individual interviews and observation to undertake data collection in January 2017. The data were analysed using NVivo Version 11 (QSR International) to transcribe, code and identify themes using thematic analysis approach. Results: The study found out that certain households were more likely to use nets for intended needs in proper ways; a range of factors, notably socio-cultural and poverty, highly influence users' ideas about the right ways and decisions to use and care for the nets; knowledge gaps and wrong perception exist regarding the purposes and life cycle of the nets; LLINs are employed for repurposed uses once they are considered non-viable, old, or lose their physical integrity; existence of misuse was acknowledged and understood as wrong; and values about gender roles further shape uses, misuses and repurposed use of the nets. Conclusions: Behavioural, socio-cultural, economic and ecological conditions coupled with deficiencies in perceived bed net design and distribution policies; weak education, communication and social support structures were important in understanding and accounting for why a low level of intended use and a rampant misuse and repurposed use in Adami Tullu community of Ethiopia. A major nexus to address in order to improve intended use of LLINs lies, first and foremost, in economic poverty and socio-cultural factors that underlie much of the misuse and repurposed use of the nets.
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The literature on sacred natural sites has often regarded such landscapes and associated institutions as hotspots of conflict. The way in which different parties have utilized sacred sites as the loci for claiming allegiance and rights of... more
The literature on sacred natural sites has often regarded such landscapes and associated institutions as hotspots of conflict. The way in which different parties have utilized sacred sites as the loci for claiming allegiance and rights of access, thereby engendering conflict, has often surfaced in the literature (Barkan & Barkey, 2014;). While in recent years, studies documenting the relevance and role of indigenous institutions and conflict resolution mechanisms have appeared in the literature, the role that sacred natural sites play in conflict resolution has drawn little attention. The relationship between sacred natural sites and the rel-evance of these as instruments for conflict resolution are also little understood. On the other hand, traditional communities in Africa, across time and space have for millennia used sacred natural sites as important instruments in the process of ensuring public order, peace building and conflict resolution (Ajayi & Buhari, 2014; Bukari, 2013); studies are emerging showing that sacred natural sites among indigenous peoples and local communities serve as the locus of peace building and conflict resolution (Posey, 2000; Sponsel, 2008, 2012, 2013).
This chapter intends to address the issue of the role sacred natural sites play in conflict resolution, aside from their being often regarded as loci of conflictual relationships. The chapter will attempt to address such salient issues as: why and how traditional communities utilize sacred nature as a resource and instrument of conflict resolution; types of issues and conflicts commonly managed within the remit of sacred site institutions’ conflict resolution instrumentality; the foun-dational principles and processes involved in the sacred nature-based conflict resolution; the mechanisms and social organization of such processes; and the resilience and dynamics of conflict resolution instrumentality of sacred sites and factors that challenge their continuity.
This chapter intends to address the issue of the role sacred natural sites play in conflict resolution, aside from their being often regarded as loci of conflictual relationships. The chapter will attempt to address such salient issues as: why and how traditional communities utilize sacred nature as a resource and instrument of conflict resolution; types of issues and conflicts commonly managed within the remit of sacred site institutions’ conflict resolution instrumentality; the foun-dational principles and processes involved in the sacred nature-based conflict resolution; the mechanisms and social organization of such processes; and the resilience and dynamics of conflict resolution instrumentality of sacred sites and factors that challenge their continuity.
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PARTICIPATORY CHILD PROTECTION CONCERNS ASSESSMENT Commissioned by Agency of Labor and Social Affairs, SNNPR and UNICEF Learning for Action Consult Epileptic Children, Health, Psycho-social Wellbeing and Human Rights among the Me'enit of Bench-Maji of Southwest Ethiopia Report for the Mizan-Bachu...more
Indigenous Knowledge, the Environment and Natural Resource Management: the Adverse Impacts of Development Interventions A Review of Literature Paper Presented at the Sensitization Workshop (Center for the Study of Environment and Society) 8 3.1. Traditional Resource Management Practices and Clash...more
The paper reviews literature on the role of indigenous knowledge in natural resource management and the impacts of "development" interventions, with cases from Ethiopia
A qualitatively oriented ethnographic study was conducted among the island and migrant Zay during the months of August, October and December 2000, for approximately three months. The study commenced with a general objective of attempting... more
A qualitatively oriented ethnographic study was conducted among the island and migrant Zay during the months of August, October and December 2000, for approximately three months. The study commenced with a general objective of attempting to gain an anthropological understanding of the basic socio-cultural and religious belief systems of the Zay, under the context of which medical beliefs, practices and institutions pertaining to mental illness operate. The researcher aimed at analysing the peoples’ culture, beliefs, and practices, and other socio-cultural factors as pertaining to, and affecting, health in general and mental health in particular
An ethnographic and historiographical study of the Baskeš of southwest Ethiopia, commissioned by Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples' Regional Government of Ethiopia
This is a social-anthropological study of the livelihood and socio-cultural crisis among the Zay of Lake Zeway Islands and their mainland environs in central Ethiopia. The study provides a social-anthropological perspectives on islander... more
This is a social-anthropological study of the livelihood and socio-cultural crisis among the Zay of Lake Zeway Islands and their mainland environs in central Ethiopia. The study provides a social-anthropological perspectives on islander communities in Ethiopia and across the world thereby situating the Zay in a broader context; it specifically looks into local accounts of factors contributing to the crisis and attempts to suggest some recommendations.
Background: Malaria poses a significant public health threat globally, across Africa and in Ethiopia. The use of long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) is currently a proven prevention mechanism. Evidence is building on what happens to... more
Background: Malaria poses a significant public health threat globally, across Africa and in Ethiopia. The use of long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) is currently a proven prevention mechanism. Evidence is building on what happens to LLINs following mass distribution campaigns, with mixed results from different studies, some reporting very low use for intended purposes, others an encouraging level of using for intended purposes. In Ethiopia, between 2005 and 2015, about 64 million LLINs were distributed through periodic mass campaigns with the aims to achieve 100% coverage and 80% utilization. However, studies from rural Ethiopia showed variable LLINs coverage and utilization rate. The MalTrial Project, a collaborative venture between Hawassa University, Ethiopia and NROAID, Norway, has started a trial project in 2014 in Adami Tullu District of central Ethiopia. Quantitative surveys have established evidence on LLINs ownership and utilization, but the behavioural, sociocultural and socioeconomic dynamics of why LLINs' use for intended purposes is low or why they are employed for other purposes remained elusive. The present qualitative study, building on the quantitative findings and framework, therefore, attempted to fill gaps in these areas using qualitative methods in selected localities of the district. Methods: The study employed 7 focus groups, 16 individual interviews and observation to undertake data collection in January 2017. The data were analysed using NVivo Version 11 (QSR International) to transcribe, code and identify themes using thematic analysis approach. Results: The study found out that certain households were more likely to use nets for intended needs in proper ways; a range of factors, notably socio-cultural and poverty, highly influence users' ideas about the right ways and decisions to use and care for the nets; knowledge gaps and wrong perception exist regarding the purposes and life cycle of the nets; LLINs are employed for repurposed uses once they are considered non-viable, old, or lose their physical integrity; existence of misuse was acknowledged and understood as wrong; and values about gender roles further shape uses, misuses and repurposed use of the nets. Conclusions: Behavioural, socio-cultural, economic and ecological conditions coupled with deficiencies in perceived bed net design and distribution policies; weak education, communication and social support structures were important in understanding and accounting for why a low level of intended use and a rampant misuse and repurposed use in Adami Tullu community of Ethiopia. A major nexus to address in order to improve intended use of LLINs lies, first and foremost, in economic poverty and socio-cultural factors that underlie much of the misuse and repurposed use of the nets.
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Researches show biodiversity loss has been happening at an alarming scale in the recent decades (Loh & Harmon, 2014; Igoe, 2004) and this state of affairs has significant implications for the health of local communities and environments... more
Researches show biodiversity loss has been happening at an alarming scale in the recent decades (Loh & Harmon, 2014; Igoe, 2004) and this state of affairs has significant implications for the health of local communities and environments across the world (Toledo, 2013; Cunningham, 2000). Sacred natural sites (SNS) are increasingly considered showcases for the conservation of biological and cultural diversity (Dove & Carpenter, 2008; Maffi & Woodley, 2010; Sponsel, 2012), because their strong cultural importance derives from, and requires maintenance of, biodiversity. Tree biodiversity in general and medicinal plants in particular, which otherwise face increasing endangerment, find protection in SNS (Anderson et al., 2005). The research described in this paper is concerned with the conservation of threatened medicinal plants in SNS and similar informal protection areas of Sidama, southwest Ethiopia. Mixed methods were used to inventory the medicinal plant biodiversity of such places and explore local understandings and explanations of the role such places play in conservation. The results suggest that where SNS exist, medicinal plants and traditional herbal medicine fare well. Further, the findings demonstrated that some medicinal plant species owe their continued existence to maintenance of SNS. This research is hoped to contribute towards improved understanding of the role SNS play in conserving medicinal plants as well as the resilience and dynamics of traditional herbal medicine in the context of SNS.
Research Interests:
Researches show biodiversity loss has been happening at an alarming scale in the recent decades (Loh & Harmon, 2014; Igoe, 2004) and this state of affairs has significant implications for the health of local communities and environments... more
Researches show biodiversity loss has been happening at an alarming scale in the recent decades (Loh & Harmon, 2014; Igoe, 2004) and this state of affairs has significant implications for the health of local communities and environments across the world (Toledo, 2013; Cunningham, 2000). Sacred natural sites (SNS) are increasingly considered showcases for the conservation of biological and cultural diversity (Dove & Carpenter, 2008; Maffi & Woodley, 2010; Sponsel, 2012), because their strong cultural importance derives from, and requires maintenance of, biodiversity. Tree biodiversity in general and medicinal plants in particular, which otherwise face increasing endangerment, find protection in SNS (Anderson et al., 2005). The research described in this paper is concerned with the conservation of threatened medicinal plants in SNS and similar informal protection areas of Sidama, southwest Ethiopia. Mixed methods were used to inventory the medicinal plant biodiversity of such places and explore local understandings and explanations of the role such places play in conservation. The results suggest that where SNS exist, medicinal plants and traditional herbal medicine fare well. Further, the findings demonstrated that some medicinal plant species owe their continued existence to maintenance of SNS. This research is hoped to contribute towards improved understanding of the role SNS play in conserving medicinal plants as well as the resilience and dynamics of traditional herbal medicine in the context of SNS.
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This report documents a study based on rapid, qualitatively-oriented, participatory assessment of epilepsy and its impacts on the health and psycho-social wellbeing of children among the Me'enit ethnic group of Bench-Maji of Southwest... more
This report documents a study based on rapid, qualitatively-oriented, participatory assessment of epilepsy and its impacts on the health and psycho-social wellbeing of children among the Me'enit ethnic group of Bench-Maji of Southwest Ethiopia, conducted in 2009. The study was commissioned by the Southern Regional Government's Bureau of Labour and Social Affairs and funded by UNICEF. The study documents the foundational belief system of Me’enit ethnic group concerning the nature, cause and transmission pattern of the disease generates a range of harmful outcomes on epileptic community members. Epileptic patients were immediately killed in the past but with the instalment of modern government system, the society changed its punishments of these patients to such measures as forcefully banishing them from the community. The study also documents that the main cause of epilepsy, which is more prevalent among the Me’enit compared to other ethnic groups, is related to traditional treatments women receive during child labor that exposes the fetus to physical damage.
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This is a book chapter in the SAGE Handbook of Nature (forthcoming) dealing with the role of sacred natural sites in conflict resolution in Sidama, Ethiopia.
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Existing studies of the peoples of Ethiopia have often been criticized as sufering from methodological and theoretical biases (Mekonen 1990). Historiographical accounts have lacked representations of the full range and diversity of the... more
Existing studies of the peoples of Ethiopia have often been criticized as sufering from methodological and theoretical biases (Mekonen 1990). Historiographical accounts have lacked representations of the full range and diversity of the Ethiopian peoples and cultures (Pankhurst 1990; Bahru 2001), and ethnographic documentations of South-west Ethiopia have focused on broad surveys of the socio-cultural institutions with few attempts made to synthesize national, interethnic commonalties (Abbink 2000). Studies of the autochthonous religions of Southwest Ethiopia have often been dominated by ac-counts from difusionist, evolutionary, and structural functionalist perspectives (Abbink 1998; Freeman 1999). Tere exists a dearth of studies documenting such religions and their linkages with local biodiversity. Some studies (for example, Stauder 1971) have attempted ecological anthropological analysis of certain ethnic groups in Southern Ethiopia. Although most recent studies (for example, Samuel and Hewlett 2016; Quinlan et al. 2015) have started documenting socio-ecological and ethnobiological systems in the region, studies documenting the interface of native religions and local biodiversity are still lacking.
Empirical studies exploring the mutual interdependence between ecology, biodiversity and traditional religions and their resulting positive effects on society and environment in Ethiopia are scarce. Their coupled existence and endangerment are also little understood. Some emerging studies have generally focused on the role religious places and institutions play in the conservation of biodiversity, such as endangered fauna and fora (Desalegn 2009; Massey et al. 2014). Others have attempted to examine the relevance of traditional religions and sacred sites from the perspectives of anthropology, politics, and jurisprudence (Hamer 2002; Markos et al. 2012; Dillu 2009; Kife 2014). Studies such as these do not, however, address the socio-ecological and biocultural relevance and values that bind local biodiversity and native religions. In the following, I attempt to report on the coupled existence and endangerment of native religions and local biodiversity from a broadly biocultural diversity perspective, drawing on lessons from studies conducted from 2008–2010 in four Southwest Ethiopian communities, commissioned by the Council of Nationalities (CoNs) and the Christensen Fund (TCF). Data from fieldwork conducted during three trips – in Wonsho Sidama from January to March 2008, in Basketo and Me’enit from June to October 2008, and in Ţambaro and Sidama from July to September 2009 – is used to provide insights into native-religion-mediated identities, ecology biodiversity and endangerment.
Empirical studies exploring the mutual interdependence between ecology, biodiversity and traditional religions and their resulting positive effects on society and environment in Ethiopia are scarce. Their coupled existence and endangerment are also little understood. Some emerging studies have generally focused on the role religious places and institutions play in the conservation of biodiversity, such as endangered fauna and fora (Desalegn 2009; Massey et al. 2014). Others have attempted to examine the relevance of traditional religions and sacred sites from the perspectives of anthropology, politics, and jurisprudence (Hamer 2002; Markos et al. 2012; Dillu 2009; Kife 2014). Studies such as these do not, however, address the socio-ecological and biocultural relevance and values that bind local biodiversity and native religions. In the following, I attempt to report on the coupled existence and endangerment of native religions and local biodiversity from a broadly biocultural diversity perspective, drawing on lessons from studies conducted from 2008–2010 in four Southwest Ethiopian communities, commissioned by the Council of Nationalities (CoNs) and the Christensen Fund (TCF). Data from fieldwork conducted during three trips – in Wonsho Sidama from January to March 2008, in Basketo and Me’enit from June to October 2008, and in Ţambaro and Sidama from July to September 2009 – is used to provide insights into native-religion-mediated identities, ecology biodiversity and endangerment.