The Kambata of Southern Ethiopia: A Survey of their History, 1941-1991

Abstract The focus of this thesis is reconstructing the history of the kambata people of the southern Ethiopia during the period 1941-1991. The study covers the period from time of the restoration of the emperor Haile Selassie I to power in 1941up to the downfall of the dergue government in 1991, in which the people of kambata, similar to other populations of southern Ethiopia experienced significant political and socio-economic developments. For the purpose of this study the research methodology was designed the qualitative one. For the primary data the key informants were selected by using purposive sampling technique. The history of Kambata people is part of the ancient kingdom of southern region of Ethiopia, which reached to the level of state formation around 14th century. Before its conquest by menelik’s forces in 1892, it has a well-developed traditional administrative and socio-economic system. Following the conquest, a new Socio-economic and political system was introduced to the area. Especially, a new land tenure system introduced to the area after the conquest completely changed the traditional land holding system. The socio-economic and administrative changes made by the imperial government in the post-1941 period also brought little improvement in the life of most of the local people of the area. The economic exploitation and socio-cultural suppressions continued until 1974. The administrative injustice in the area also continued throughout the imperial period. This was worsened by the reluctance of local governors to implement the rules and regulations of central government properly in the area. The 1974 revolution and its subsequent formation of provisional administration was accepted with exultation by most of the local people of the area in the early periods as it provided them the right over the ownership of land and freed from economic exploitation and socio-cultural suppression. However, later they developed hatred against the Dergue due to the implementation of some of its unpopular policies by force.