Human Ecology and the Environment among the Maccaa Oromo

Knowledge, Values, and the Practices of Conservation

Abstract

The study of the predominant human-environment relationships and the indigenous ecological knowledge and practices have enormous roles in understanding the ever-growing environmental problems, and consequent social problems on one hand and in natural resources and biodiversity conservation on the other. For the Oromo, land, forest, and water resources are natural resources of high value upon which interrelationships among human and non- human nature are founded. Hence, in an effort to understand the cause and magnitude of environmental problems, and to establish prospective measures in solving social and environmental problems, understanding the community’s worldview and the indigenous knowledge they have maintained in esteeming and managing the natural resources for vigorous coexistence are important. Therefore, the objective of this study was to elucidate the implications of the Oromo indigenous knowledge and worldview in natural resources management. For the study, qualitative research methods: qualitative interviews focus group discussions, non-participant observation, case study, and secondary data analysis were employed. Both primary and secondary data sources were consulted to enrich the study. The finding shows that the Maccaa Oromo possesses indigenous ecological knowledge embedded in their worldview; which has enabled them to utilize and conserve natural resources. This was made possible by the highly sophisticated worldview and knowledge founded on the knowledge of the organization of the three worlds, the physical, the human, and the spiritual world unity to function the whole. The Maccaa Oromo has the knowledge of laws of Waaqa, and concept of Safuu and Ayyaana in customary laws, norms, values, and the their worldview, which guides their entire actions and relations in the universe. In general, these concepts are important component of the Oromo worldview. They are believed to strengthen and maintain internal moral quality and unity of the Oromo. In spite of social dynamics and change, the underpinned knowledge of these concepts have been used to maintain enthusiastic coexistence between the physical, the human, and the spiritual worlds among the Oromo in general and the Maccaa Oromoo in particular.