Author(s) :

Daniel Kassahun Waktola.

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The commentary critiques the rise of ethnically defined academic journals in Ethiopia, warning they risk turning scholarship into tribal advocacy. It argues these platforms undermine academic neutrality by favoring ethnic loyalties over intellectual rigor. While acknowledging the need for cultural representation, it calls for more inclusive academic spaces and integrative publishing models, drawing on examples from India and Nigeria. Ultimately, it defends the integrity of academia against rising ethnic polarization.

No. of Downloads :

7

Author(s) :

Muna Salih.

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This article offers a critical commentary on Ethiopia’s current affairs, delving into 50 years of ethnic politics and the devastation it has wrought, particularly over the past 33 years since the TPLF’s ascent to power. Ethnic politics, or broadly, ethno-nationalism characterized by hatred and corruption, has escalated to an unprecedented peak. The indiscriminate killing of innocent individuals—children, elders, mothers, and pregnant women—has become normalized, shockingly without condemnation from the governing body. Hate propaganda, sometimes disseminated by government officials, persists without repercussions, seemingly a prerequisite for maintaining power. The rule of law has become a luxury, as the populace grapples with basic survival. This commentary is rich with factual evidence and proposes concrete solutions.

No. of Downloads :

3

Author(s) :

Destaw Filatie Belay .

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This study examines the interplay between socio-cultural practices and environmental degradation in selected woredas (districts)—Sätit-Humära, Wälqayét, and Ţägädé—within the Wogära Awraja of Northwestern Ethiopia from 1965 to 1985. It identifies socio-cultural practices and environmental trends that significantly impacted the local environment. The research details how factors such as climate change, hunting, agricultural practices, overgrazing, over-cultivation, deforestation, drought, and famine collectively threatened the survival of these societies. By analyzing environmental degradation through this lens, the study encourages a re-evaluation of socio-cultural practices, potentially fostering radical shifts in environmental attitudes. Qualitative in nature, this research relied on primary sources including archival documents, observations, and in-depth interviews. Secondary sources comprised relevant books, articles, and other scholarly works. The findings indicate that the environment is perceived as a critical factor influencing both the mental and physical well-being of society, and vice versa. Consequently, effective environmental management must be intrinsically linked with an understanding of these socio-cultural practices. This approach enhances the mutual responsibility and influence between the environment and society.

No. of Downloads :

3

Author(s) :

Ephraim Isaac.

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One of the ironies of history concerns the creative people who mold and shape objects with their own hands, and whom we call artisans or craftspeople, and give specific names to their respective varieties of arts and crafts. The pen, the ink, the clay, the papyrus, the vellum and all other medium of writing which we use to interpret history were fashioned by them. Every shred of pottery or every bit of coin, every bit of utensils or furniture, every corner stone of an ancient building over which the archeologist hovers is their legacy. The monumental steles, the grandiose temples and palaces with ornate columns, the beautiful jewelry, the ostentatious sculptures, and the intricate mosaics which fascinate art historians were created by them. Not only were every tool and utensil people always used at home and every weapon with which they fought their brutal wars abroad “manufactured,” made by the hand of the artisan, but undoubtedly every step in human technological advance until the age of the electronic revolution was made by them. It is indeed no exaggeration to say that history would be blank without the products of artisans or craftspeople who more than any other single professional group in antiquity left the clearest and most tangible symbols of human ability and achievement. Yet it is truly ironic that above and beyond the mythologies about them and the eternal products of their handiwork, these “giants” left us so little factual information about themselves as individuals and groups (compared to kings and princes, priests and politicians, soldiers and philosophers...).

No. of Downloads :

1

Author(s) :

Assefa Balcha, Dagnachew Tolessa, & Fitsum Yussuf .

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This article looks at some of the prevalent animal diseases and the indigenous medical lore being deployed to fight against them in Wallo, Ethiopia. The complex interaction of human beings and their bio-physical environment has been part of the history of peoples’ endless struggle to adapt to an environment and survive. The struggle to maintain the health of domestic animals by means of traditional medical practices has been part of this endeavour. This particular aspect of survival deserves to be critically examined and documented. In light of the above objectives, documenting the history of animal diseases contributes to our understanding of indigenous healing traditions and coping methods in Wallo. The data for this study was collected on different occasions from the three adjoining woredas (districts) of Dessie Zuria, Qallu, and Tehuledere of South Wallo Administrative Zone. Beyond extensive interviews with oral informants, and meticulous examination of archival records of the Ministry of Interior, the Dessie municipality, and the South Wallo Agriculture office, the research has also made use of several secondary source materials.

No. of Downloads :

4

Author(s) :

Deneku Abere.

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The primary objective of this study is to explore the symbolic representation of Wolaita cultural houses. To achieve this, a descriptive research design was employed, utilizing qualitative methods. Data were collected through unstructured and semi-structured interviews, participant and non-participant observation, and focus group discussions (FGDs). Key informants were selected from the Ofa, Sodo Zuriya, Humbo, and Kawo Koysha districts (woredas) of the Wolaita Zone using snowball and purposive sampling techniques. A total of 20 individuals participated in the data collection: 16 older men and 4 older women. They were chosen for their extensive knowledge of Wolaita cultural housing styles and their symbolic representations. The study’s findings revealed that socio-economic changes and the integrated development of urban and rural areas have profoundly impacted the development model of rural areas. These changes are reflected in adjustments to resident structures, shifts in production and lifestyles, evolving housing patterns, and altered urban-rural relations. Despite the influence of modernization on Wolaita’s cultural houses, the Wolaita people historically had four distinct housing styles: zufa, meeshuwa, burariya, and gulantta. While these traditional Wolaita houses appear similar externally, their internal structures differ significantly in design, layout, construction materials, and aesthetic values. The study also indicates a strong communal unity within the Wolaita ethnic group, primarily reflected in the materials used for house construction. Furthermore, the study showed that these housing styles developed after periods when people lived under trees, in caves, and within rocks of various shapes. Interestingly, the Wolaita cultural house is also connected to the spiritual world. The shapes of these four housing styles are believed to bestow blessings upon both men and women. This is particularly evident in a closet reserved for women, symbolizing potential grace, while men are primarily assigned to a dining room, where dignity and grace are attained by adhering to Wolaita cultural norms. The study’s results highlighted that, unlike many other local and foreign studies that link houses to unity, power relations, and interconnectedness, none connect them to the spiritual world in the same way. Therefore, the authors believe that adequate attention should be given to this indigenous housing style.

No. of Downloads :

6