Guji Girja Gada System and Contemporary Challenges

Abstract

The general objective of this study is to investigate the problems presently facing the Guji Gada system. To achieve this objective, qualitative research method was adopted. The data were collected through informal and in-depth interviews, and focus group discussion. The analysis was made qualitatively through explanation and narration. The analysis indicates that problems such as food scarcity and high price of food stuffs, shortage of grass land and rapid population growth, cattle epidemics, bad infrastructure and transportation problem, absence of regular meetings across different gosa/ fira, change in people's way of life from (pastoralism to sedentary agriculture), the involvement of society in trade, education and other paid jobs are internal factors that resulted in to decline of Guji Gada system. Externally, the expansion of different religions in to Guji land and modern form of government by which the Guji are being ruled are factors that negatively affect the Guji Gada system. Some of these factors, on another hand, made the young generation to be indifferent and inconsiderate towards/ of Gada system.