The Role of Indigenous Association for Promoting Local Development Initiatives: A Case Study among Agaws in Awi Zone of Amhara Regional State

  • Getu Ambaye Teshale

Abstract

 This paper focuses on the role of indigenous voluntary associations which are sometimes referred to as community-based organizations. They are established primarily to provide socio-economic supports and assistances at times of crisis. Empirical studies show that the potential contributions of indigenous associations for local development have been underestimated in the pre 1970s. They have been variously labeled as traditional, none-scientific, and considered to be dysfunctional. However, since the 1980s, there have been growing interests among scholars in understanding the role of indigenous associations. Currently, most scholars and researchers have come up with the views that indigenous associations are important partners for sustainable local development endeavors. The main aim of this study was, therefore, to examine the role of indigenous association for promoting sustainable local development.  To generate the necessary data, qualitative methods such as, in-depth interviews with key informants such as elderly people and executive committee members, Focus Group Discussion (FGD) and documentary assessments were used. The findings showed that the indigenous association which is established based on their shared history and culture has multifaceted functions. Currently, the role of the association has grown to include quasi-legal and quasi-administrative functions in the forms of local conflict management, crime prevention, and community protection. The study also reveals that the members of the association are involved in various development initiatives and activities such as road construction, irrigation schemes, schools building, construction and renovations of traditional churches and community health centers.

Published
2019-12-24
Section
Articles