Indigenous Knowledge for Sustainable Development Unleashing Contributions of the Gadaa System

Abstract

Recently, it has been widely believed that indigenous knowledge is an engine of sustainable development. This study was conducted to identify the contributions of economic concepts in the Gadaa system to financial and environmental sustainability, economic justice, and welfare of the society. Using a qualitative study design and key informant interview method of data collection, the study discovered that economic concepts in the Gadaa system are decisive for sustainable development in many ways. The result of the study showed that the overall financial system sustainability is managed by the so-called ‘Abbaa Saawwaa’, whereas forests, soil, and water resources are conserved in the Gadaa system through ‘Abbaa Lagaa’, implying environmental sustainability. On the other hand, the idea of organizational sustainability is supported through ‘Daboo’, a method of unifying human resources to work efficiently and effectively, especially in agricultural activities. The study also revealed that the Gadaa system significantly contributes to sustainable development through the idea of ‘Qusachuu/Olkaa’uu’, a method of saving for tomorrow from income or assets. Another economic concept in the Gadaa system that contributed to the sustainable development is the concept dubbed ‘deegaafi hirkattummaan aadmale’, which opposes and condemns poverty and dependence for all healthy and working age individuals of the population. The study also publicized that the economic outlook of the Oromo Gadaa system called ‘Guddifachaafi Qannoo’ contributes to sustainable development as it is idea concerned with social welfare and strives for the improvement of the livelihood of the people. The concept of fairness and equity in resource distribution is supported through ‘Dachee Haadha margaa’, universal accessibility of land resources, which advocates the earth is mother’ principle. In doing this, the Gadaa system contributes to improvements in land management sustainability. Finally, the Gadaa system contributes to sustainability in risk management through ‘Buusaa gonofaa’, a method of restoring property that has been damaged by various disasters through emergency resource mobilization. The study concludes that the Oromo Gadaa System contains indigenous economic knowledge that significantly contributes to financial and environmental sustainability. It is also concluded that indigenous economic knowledge in the Gadaa system is pertinent for the sustainable economic development. The policy implication of this study is that the national, continental, and global institutions need to preserve and encourage such indigenous economic knowledge in the Gadaa system, and support their inclusion in the economic policies of nations to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.