JINKA UNIVERSITY

COLLEGE OF SOCIAL SCIENCES AND HUMANITY

DEPARTMENT OF HISTORY AND HERITAGE MANAGEMENT

SOCIO ECONOMIC HISTORY OF HURRUMU TOWN

BY: YETMWARK BEFEKADU

ADVISOR MR. YORDANOS Mulugeta

JUNE, 2017
6 JINKA ETHIOPIA
TABLE OF CONTENT

CONTENT PAGE

Acknowledgement -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Preface---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CHAPTER ONE

1. Introduction-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1.1. Background of the Study---------------------------------------------------------------------

1.2Statement of the Problem---------------------------------------------------------------------------

1.3 Significance of the Study-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

1.4. Objective of the Study----------------------------------------------------------------------

1.4.1 General Objective1-------------------------------------------------------------------------

1.4.2.Specific Objectives------------------------------------------------------------------------

1.5. Research Questions---------------------------------------------------------------------------

1.5.1 Potential Weakness of the Study-----------------------------------------------------------

1.6 Limitation of the study-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

1.6.1. Compensatory Measures----------------------------------------------------------------

1.7. Scope of the Study /Delimitation---------------------------------------------------------

1.8. Research Methodology-----------------------------------------------------------------

1.8.1. Research Design ----------------------------------------------------------------------

1.8.2. Sources of Data ------------------------------------------------------------------------

1.8.3. Sampling Procedure and Sample Size ----------------------------------------------

1.8.4. Methods of Data Collection ----------------------------------------------------------

1.8.4.1. Data collection procedures ----------------------------------------------------------

1.8.4.2. Data collection instruments --------------------------------------------------------------

1.8.4.2.1. Questionnaires---------------------------------------------------------------------------

1.8.4.2.2. Documents-----------------------------------------------------------------------

1.8.4.2.3. Interviews-------------------------------------------------------------------------
1.8.5. Methods of Data Analysis ------------------------------------------------------------

1.10. Organization of the Study------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter Two

2. Geographical Setting of the town--------------------------------------------------------------

2.1. Location of the study area------------------------------------------------------------------------

2.2 Population-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2.3. Religion-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2.3.1 Orthodox Christianity--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

3.3.2. Protestant Christianity---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

3.3.3 Islamic
Religion-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter 3

3. Socio-Economic History of Hurrumu Town since Emperor Haile Silase Up to Now--------------

3.1. Socio-economic History of Hurrumu Town during Emperial H/Sillase(1931-1974) -----------

3.2. Socio-Economic History of Hurrumu Town during Derg Regime (19741991) -----------------

3.3. Socio Economic History of Hurrumu Town during the FDRE (Current Government)----------

3.3.1. Physical infrastructure of the town-------------------------------------------------------------

3.3.1.1. Road ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

3.4.1.2. Power supply---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

3.5.1.3. Telecommunication -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

3.6.1.4 .Postal service -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

3.7.2. Social infrastructures and other services in Hurrumu town---------------------------------------

3.7.2.1. Water supply ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

3.7.2.2. Health service-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

3.7.2.3 Education----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

3.7.3.3. Tourism industry development-----------------------------------------------------------------------

3.4. Marriage Practices among the Hurumu Town, Ilu Aba Bora, Ethiopia----------------------------

CHAPTER FOUR

4. SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS---------------------------------

4.1. Summary
4.2 Conclusion -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

4.3. Recommendations -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

4.4 References-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Acknowledgement

First of all, I would like to thanks my god and who helped me in all my works from starting to
end of my thesis and all of my works.
Secondly, from beginning to the end of this thesis, several individuals have assisted me. I would
like to express my deepest gratitude to my advisor Mr. Yordanos Mulugeta
who has taken much of his time to read the draft of the paper patently and make necessary
constructive comments.

Thirdly, I would like to thanks all of my informants who were provide me with invaluable
information. Especially I would like to thanks: Mr. Samson Gizawu and Mr. Zarihun Befkadu.

Fourthly, I would like to thanks my parents, those were financial support and encouragement me
during my academic studies. Those are my father Befekadu Demeke, my mother Birane Getahun
and all of my brother.
PREFACE

This thesis attempted to discuss a socioeconomic history of Hurumu town. It has four
chapters. The first chapter, describes and introduces background information, a statement
of the problem, research questions, the significance of the study, its objectives, scope and
organization of the study. It also presents the source of data, methods and procedures of
data collection and analysis, limitation of the study.

Chapter two describes Geographic location the study area. Chapter three describes the
socioeconomic history study area in brief and manner. Chapter four describes summary,
conclusion and recommendation are presented accordingly.
CHAPTER ONE

1. INTRODUCTION

1.2. Background of the Study

Socio economic (also known a social economic) is the social science that studies hoe economic
activity affects and is shaped by social processes. Socio economic is sometimes used as an
umbrella term with different usages. The term social economic may refer broadly to the “use of
economic in the study of society.( Richard Pankhurst, 1968, Economic History of Ethiopia
(1800-1935,A.A))

The history of Ethiopian economy, for example during the period of revolution it is remarkable
that Ethiopia had any economy. The basic economy was agriculture, livestock production, trade
and etc. Agriculture is the vital and backbone economy of Ethiopia. The economies of our
country depend on agriculture. Up wards of eighty percent of the population of Ethiopia is
directly or indirectly dependent up on agriculture for their livelihood. Although an over
whelming proportion of the population are engaged in agriculture, agricultural production
accounts for only about 50 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) .Most of the farming (two
third’s to three quarters) is for the subsistence of the rural population and consists primarily of
subsistence crops such as grains and pulses(most of the time used as production of cosmetics
mostly used by females) .( Shifaraw Bekele, Economic History of Modern Ethiopia).

Before the emergency the town as an administrative center, the Hurumu town were served as
trade and socio cultural treats of the people. There are 5 banks and 2 micro financial
institutions giving financial services in the town. Economic activity rate for both gender is 58.8%
while unemployment is 19.7%. The average annual revenue of the municipality with the 2007-
2011 period is 15,410, 712,69 birr and the major source of revenue were different taxes, rents
and services charges. The major investment opportunities in the town are agro industry
processing hotel and tourism development.

Hurumu town has been economic linkages with the surrounding areas town, region and Addis
Ababa. The town gets grain products livestock supply, natural resource (fuel wood, charcoal)
and surplus labor from surrounding areas. The town gets agricultural inputs from mettu,
manufacturing and commercial products and some construction materials from Addis Ababa,
Jimma and the town itself.

1.2Statement of the Problem

The growth of small and intermediate towns is highly determined by infrastructure rather than
agriculture, productivity in the hinterland, administrative functions and population size .
Hence, the development of physical and social infrastructure plays a pivotal role in facilitating
rural-urban interaction. Even though the number of small towns in Ethiopia is large, found that
in small urban centers of Ethiopia, the utilization of these services found to be problematic due
to poor accessibility.

Tried to study the socio economic history and development in small towns of Ethiopia.. But, it
failed to identify the factors influencing the socioeconomic development according to their
order of importance; and whether the activities and perception of residents have own effect on
socioeconomic development process. This requires an assessment of the existing social
economic history of urban growth and development in Hurumu town with view to identify
information gaps and areas for improvement. Hurumu Town is one of the  in woreda Oromia
Region of Ethiopia. It was part of Yayu Woreda before 1997, later on it become separated from
Yayu Woreda.

It surroundings is endowed with natural resources such as natural vegetation, water, suitable
climatic conditions which create favorable conditions to socio economic grow activities and
make the town one of the potential town for rapid socio economic growth ; but the town still
could not use this existing potential its resources. There is conducive environment and huge
potential to sustain economic growth in the town. However, the town is still not well developed
in terms socio-economic development. Therefore, this research intends to assess socio
economic historical background development of Hurumu Town since Haile Silassie-I (1930-
1974) up to the current Government that is expected to play an important role in designing and
implementing sound strategic plans for the smaller towns like as Hurumu town.

1.3Significance of the Study

It is hoped that this research has multi significance. For instance, like most other research
projects, it is hoped that it contributes to the development of the literature in the socio economic
historical development of Hurumu town. Moreover, it helps the town’s Administration to
improve their working system by using the outcome of the study as input for their decision
making. The result of this study enables the urban management to look inward and find solution
for the identified problems.

The study is also significant for policy makers and socio economic planners as input in planning
sustainable socioeconomic development. Furthermore, the findings of the study may also serve
as a stepping stone to others who have intentions to study the problem further In general; this
study has also political, economic and social significance for Hurumu Town Administration.
Finally, finding of this study can help other researchers as a reference and can initiate researcher
to further diagnose the problems related to socio economic historical development of Hurumu
town.

1.4. Objective of the Study

1.4.1 General Objective

The general objective of the study is to assess socio-economic historical development of Hurumu
town.

1.4.2. Specific Objectives

This study attempted:-

1. To describe social history of Hurumu town

2. To evaluate the role of residents on socio economic development process of the study area

3. To examine population growth trends and spatial expansion of the town

1.5. Research Questions

The study tried to analyze the existing condition of socio economic historical development of
Hurumu town and the factors affecting the growth and development of the study area in order to
recommend important solution for the socioeconomic, cultural and historical problems of the
town. Hence, the study attempted to answer the following questions.

1. What is general social history of Hurumu town?

 2. What the population growth contribution to the expansion of Hurumu town?
3. What actions are the public providing at large for the development of socio economic
activity of the town?

1.5.1Potential Weakness of the Study

The study faced some problem related with nature of the data, the nature of the instrument used,
time and financial constraints. Since the area is rich in cash crop, and most business activity is
carried on during the data collection time, some respondents were not voluntary to give more
time for interviews. In addition to inadequate time for data collection and the inadequacy of
organized secondary data were some weakness for the result of the study.

The limitations encountered during the research process emerged from lack of urban population
data size in the past and present basic population data that is up-to-date and unquestionably
accurate. Absence of standardized measures history of socio economic development forced the
researcher to construct her own parameters based on different reference materials from
concerned federal and regional offices. Due to financial problems and time limit, attempts were
not made to investigate the attitude and perception of people who are surrounding the town and
their farm land is recently incorporated on master plan of the town.

1.6 Limitation of the study

The researcher did not finish this study without short comings under this section the problems
that occurred during the research was under taken and how these problems were managed
described one by one as follow.

.6.1. 1Compensatory Measures

Even though the above conditions were the problems that has faced the study, the researcher
tried to use different mechanisms to overcome the problems. Accordingly, the respondents’ spare
time was firstly tested and hence adjusted for the data collection time. To collect different data
from all responsible body and to make care full data collection as far as possible, awareness
creation has made for the respondents about the purpose of the research as it is for academic
issue before introducing the questionnaire and interviews.

1.7. Scope of the Study /Delimitation/

The study was delimited to Hurumu town. Hurumu is one of the Woredas in the oromia

region of Ethiopia. It was part of Yayu Wereda. It had better to conduct the study at national
level, however; due to the shortage of budget and time constraints it is difficult to the general
identity of the town hence, the scope of the study was delimited both geographically and
thematically.

1.8. Research Methodology

1.8.1. Research Design

In this study the researcher tried to describes and analyze factors influencing economic growth of
Hurumu town. Hence, the researcher planned to employ descriptive research design. Descriptive
research design involves description, recording, analyzing and interpreting of data. This study
mainly based on primary which is categorized under descriptive research design. Interview was
used because it generates primary data from sample of the study area. In addition to field survey,
trend study was also used to analyze population growth rate on the basis of available data and to
predict the future population size of the study area.

1.8.2. Sources of Data

Both primary and secondary data sources were used. The primary data was obtained from an old
age group of the elders who still live in the town using by interview. The secondary data was
collected from Culture and Tourism Office of Hurumu Town, Hurrumu town municipal office
income record documents, Hurumu woreda education office document, Hurrumu woreda health
office, Hurrumu Woreda Water, Minerals and Energy Office and Socio Economic Reports of
Hurumu Town.

1.8.3. Sampling Procedure and Sample Size

In order to make representative samples, first the list of all eligible household heads respondents
residing in Hurrumu town was prepared. The total households in the study area are1355. Out of
1355 households, it was decided to use 10 %( 136) samples by using the following simple
random formula.

1.8.4. Methods of Data Collection

1.8.4.1. Data collection procedures

After the respondents were identified from the sample frame by using both probability and non-
probability sampling techniques, both open and closed ended questions were prepared. Prior to
the distribution of the questionnaires to all respondents a pilot survey was conducted in January,
2017 to test the quality and efficiency of the questionnaires design and the attitudes of
respondents towards filling out questionnaires. Based on the pilot survey conducted the prepared
questionnaires were revised and one additional person included outside study place for
interviews. Then, the final questionnaires were edited, summarized and distributed to those 136
systematically selected households head by the researcher and research assistants. For those who
unable to read and write, the questionnaires itself used as interviews by researcher. The closed
and open questionnaire was administered for respondents simply for one day with a copy of the
material to be filled by them. The structured interview administered to three municipal office
workers was also granted one day with their free time. Having collected the materials, the
researcher carefully read and re-read respondent’s response for each item in order to gain a sense
of content given by the respondents.

1.8.4.2. Data collection instruments

1.8.4.2.1. Questionnaires

The questionnaires were targeted household heads selected from urban dwellers of Hurumu
town. To get reliable information, from those households residing in the town, the questionnaires
was also prepared in Afaan Oromoo language. To ensure consistency, the translated
questionnaires were translated back to its original format (English version). The questionnaires
were included both open and closed ended question prepared by the researcher. Both open and
closed questionnaires because closed question limit the ideas forwarded by the respondents.
Open-ended questionnaires are extremely useful for “seeking opinions, attitudes and
perceptions” (Cohen and Morrison, 2000). So, using this technique was found to be paramount
importance in the current study.

1.8.4.2.2. Documents

To know about the town income and service provision, data was explored from the documents of
the government office of Hurrumu town Administration, like Education offices, Agricultural
development office, Health office and Water, minerals and energy office and Hurrumu municipal
office.
1.8.4.2.3. Interviews

An interview was presented for purposely selected seven individuals. These were head of the
municipal office, two urban planners from the same office and three from residents of town and
one outside of Hurrumu residents. They were asked about the past and present condition of socio
economic history of the town and about the management system of the town. To this end,
separate structured interviews were prepared for three officials of the municipal office of the
town and semi-structured interviews for residents. The questions were framed to attract open
response in a flexible order to allow for a natural interaction between interviewer and
interviewees.

1.8.4.2.3. Interviews

The researcher carried out personal observation by using checklist to assess type, accessibility
and problems of infrastructures found in Hurumu town.

1.8.5. Methods of Data Analysis

The analysis of data was done using descriptive statistics (frequencies and cross-tabulation).After
the data was collected, the response was edited first then categorized based on their arrangement.

1.10. Organization of the Study

The study is presented in four chapters: Chapter one, describes and introduces background
information, a statement of the problem, research questions, the significance of the study, its
objectives, scope and organization of the study. It also presents the source of data, methods and
procedures of data collection and analysis, limitation of the study. Chapter two describes
Geographic location the study Area. Chapter three describes the socio economic history study
area in brief and precise manner. Chapter four describes summary, conclusions and
recommendations are presented accordingly.
Chapter Two

2. Geographical Setting of the town

2.1. Location of the study area

The study area Hurumu district is located in Oromia Regional State, Ilubabor Zone in the
southwest part of the country at a distance of 600km from Addis Ababa. It is found on the main
road which takes to Mettu and Gambela towns. The district has fourteen kebele peasant
associations and one town administration called Hurumu which is the center of Hurumu district
administration. The stated district is neighbor to Yayu district where forest coffee is registered by
United Nations, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as one of the country’s heritage
and identified as one of the potential area for coal mine.1

According to the agricultural development office of Hurumu woreda, there is three hectares of
cultivated area, four hectares of forest and two hectares of natural vegetation in Hurumu town.
Its natural vegetation is gravilla, eucalyptus, wenza, bisana and etc. Some of its river and streams
are such as sor, laku, farantoye, and galoshe2.

2.2 Population

The demographic factors fertility and migration increase the size of population in any places.
This means that urban population growth is mainly the result of rate of natural increase and rural
urban migration. In spite of the fact that to analyze effect of demographic factors in urban growth
in the study area, the total number of population for three consecutive census year of Ethiopia
was mainly used. Population projection is also possible by calculating growth rate between two
census periods first3
The 2007 national census reported a total population for this woreda of 42,667, of whom 21,309
were men and 21,358 were women; 4,519 or 10.59% of its population were urban dwellers
practiced Ethiopian Orthodox Christianity, with 41.35% of the population reporting they
observed this belief, while 34.32% of the population said they were Moslem, and 24.24%
were Protestant. In 2010 the total population of the district is 46,213 in which the number of
male and female population is 24,172 and 22,041 respectively. The total numbers of households
in the district are 8767 in which the numbers of male and female households are 7220 and 1547
respectively. Out of the stated number of households 7412 are households that live in the kebele
peasant associations and the remaining households live in the town.4

As Table 8 indicates population growth rate in Hurrumu town was fairly slow during the first
census, i.e. 2.88% in between1984-1994. But, the population growth began to increase rapidly in
between 1994-2007 which was 6.52%. Generally, in the past 23 census years the population of
the town was increased by about 1937 peoples.5

Table 8: Hurrumu town population size and growth rate for different years

No Year Population size of the Town

1 1984 2,302
2 1989 3,056
3 1994 3,896
4 2007 4,519

Source: Data from CSA (1989, 1994 and 2007)

2.3. Religion

Religion is the set of beliefs, feelings, dogmas and practices that define the relations between
human being and sacred or divinity. A given religion is defined by specific elements of a
community of believers: dogmas, sacred books, rites, worship, sacrament, moral prescription,
interdicts, and organization. The majority of religions have developed starting from a revelation
based on the exemplary history of a nation, of a prophet or a wise man who taught an ideal of
life6.
A religion may be defined with its three great characteristics:

 Believes and religious practices

 The religious feeling i.e. faith
 Unity in a community of those who share the same faith: the Church. It is what
differentiates religion from magic.

The study of disappeared or existing religions shows the universal character of this phenomenon
and a very large variety in the ritual doctrines and practices.
One generally distinguishes the religions called primitive or animists, the Oriental religions
(Hinduism, Buddhism, Shintoism, Confucianism, Taoism...) and the religions monotheists
derived from the Bible (Judaism, Christianity, Islam). Christianity has itself given birth to several
religions or Christian Churches (Catholic, Orthodox, Protestant, Evangelic...). There are
different religions in Hurrumu Town which is described as follow:7

2.3.1 Orthodox Christianity

Around 4,519 or 10.59% of its population were urban dwellers practiced Ethiopian Orthodox
Christianity, with 41.35% of the population reporting they observed this belief.8

3.3.2. Protestant Christianity

Protestant Christianity followers reached 24.24 % of the population.9

3.3.3 Islamic Religion

While 34.32% of the population said they were Moslem, and 24.24% were Protestant.10
END NOTE OF CHAPTER TWO

1. Adugna Mola, High School Mathematical Geography Mega Publishing E nterprise

. Addis Ababa, 1998, pp-138-139

2. Hurumu Woreda Agricultural and Rural Development Office

3. National Census Report in 2007 in Hurumu Town

4. Ibid

5. Ibid

6. Institute of Ethiopian Studies; Addis Abeba University, 1990, pp.29-48.

7. Ibid

8. Informant; Kes Indarge Misganaw

9. Informant; Terfa Benti

10. Informant; Shek Husen Muktar

Chapter 3

3. Socio-Economic History of Hurrumu Town since Emperor Haile Silase Up to

Now

3.1. Socio-economic History of Hurrumu Town during Emperial H/Sillase(1931-

1974)
During the 1920's Ras Tafari established schools and promoted education. He was clearly the
major policy innovator for the town during that time. But the power in Ethiopia did not reside in
the monarchy in Addis Ababa but instead was held by the traditional nobility in the Hurrumu
Town. Throughout his career Ras Tafari tried to the break the power of regional and local gentry
and consolidates and centralizes Ethiopian power. He wanted to modernize Ethiopia but only if
that could be done without limiting his personal power. It was difficult to determine whether his
quest for power was personal or for the Ethiopian state. Ras Tafari probably identified himself
and the Ethiopian state as one so there was no distinction between the two in his mind.1

Haile Selassie continued his lifelong struggle with the regional and local aristocracies for
centralization of power, a struggle that ultimately he lost. But internationally Haile Selassie was
a revered figure of courage and shrewdness. Within Ethiopia however there were those who were
impatient with his lack of success in breaking the power of the local gentry and his inadequate
efforts at modernization. This led to the revolution of 1974 in which he lost power and in August
of 1975 Haile Selassie, Lion of Judah, Elect of God and King of Kings of Ethiopia died
powerless and was buried secretly. Some Ethiopians believe that Mengistu buried Haile Selassie
in his (Mengistu's) own house. Haile Selassie's death was the end of an era of not only Ethiopian
history but also of world history. During the Imperial regime, the agricultural activity in hurumu
town and its surrounded is limited due to poor fertilizers. The economic life of the town it’s
surrounding could be another reason for the limited agricultural activity. However, with the
inception of some cereal crops began to be cultivated in the town and surrounding. Cereal such
as maize, teff, wheat and sorghum are the dominant one. Since 1960 s trade began to develop in
Hurumu town greatly and in the following decade trade became the major source of livelihood
for its inhabitants the main reason for such development of trade activities in the town its
location in the center of many town like metu yayo and ale. The trade is crucial sector in the
town next to agriculture.2

3.2. Socio-Economic History of Hurrumu Town during Derg Regime (1974 -1991)
There was an attempted coup d'etat in 1960 while Haile Selassie was out of the country on a trip,
but it failed. The fourteen years from 1960 to 1974 achieved little in the way of reform despite
the good intentions of Haile Selassie's regime. In January of 1974 army units in the south
mutinied in protest of the inadequacy of the food and water rations. At the same time the
government was raising fuel prices, lowering the pay of government employees and reducing
support for education. The groups adversely affected by the government changes in policy took
to the streets in protest. With significant elements of the military and the police joining in the
demand for higher pay there was a great danger of a complete breakdown in public order. The
Airborne Corps commander, Colonel Alem Zewd, formed a Coordinating Committee of the
Armed Forces, the Police and the Territorial Army to maintain order3.

However the Committee soon started arresting some military officers and members of the former
government. Strikes were forbidden by the Committee. Elements of the old government tried to
secure the release of people arrested at the orders of the Committee. This led to a confrontation
and the formation of a new Committee at the end of June 1974 under the leadership of Majors
Mengistu Haile Mariam and Atnafu Abate. Mengistu was of non-Habesha origins, some said he
was the descendent of slaves. In a society as caste-conscious as Ethiopia this was a significant
accusation. But Mengistu as a young officer had the cunning and resourcefulness to survive and
dominate the revolutionary upheavals4.

Less than a month later, on December 20th, the Derg issued a proclamation of Ethiopian
Socialism. On January 1, 1975 all banks and insurance companies in Ethiopia were nationalized.
On February 3rd 72 major industrial and commercial enterprises were nationalized. The
government took majority ownership of 29 other enterprises. The government did not take
control of retail and wholesale trade nor the import and export industries. The nationalization of
rural land was extended to urban land in July of 1975. At the same time all apartments and
rentable houses were also nationalized in Hurrumu Town. Hurumu Town’s dwellers were to be
organized into cooperatives called kebeles. The government intended these kebeles to have
extensive administrative powers but not much came of them except that they served the
government as execution squads. The kebles adopted the practice of other Marxist regimes of
making the families of the executed pay for the cost of the bullets used in the execution. Hence,
it was better than Haile Silassie I5.

Crop production (mainly cereals), animal husbandry and trade are the main economic activities
in Hurumu town. In PAs, horticultural crops cultivation is also significant. Crop production
(excluding horticulture) was the first activity for almost 85% of the interviewed households, and
animal breeding the second for 80% of them.6

3.3. Socio Economic History of Hurrumu Town during the FDRE (Current
Government)

According to the mayor of Hurrumu Town, the livelihood of the population, the majority of the
population engaged in agriculture which includes crop production and animal husbandry. They
produce crops like maize, teff and coffee. They also produce vegetables, fruits and "chat". They
rear animals’ such as cattle, sheep, goats and poultry. They engage in the above stated
agricultural activities for home consumption and income generation. On the other hand, the town
dwellers livelihood depends on non-agricultural activities such as trade, government
employment, service provision and others.7

Picture of Aba Gamachis or Onosmos. He is famous person in Ethiopia who translate Bible
language into Afan Oromo Language
The new master plan had put general development guide lines for the proposed expansion area as
indicated in Table 9. According to Table 9 residential and road area proposed to reach 40% and
18% of the total area. But, agricultural land, forest and special functions area accounts the
smallest share which accounts 1.5%, 2%, 0.83% respectively. But in such small town still there
is no clear demarcation of land use patterns as it was proposed on the master plan. It takes many
years to be implemented in such a way. Since it covers large area, however, it is possible to
implement in the new places which are incorporated under the new master plan.Table 41.1.

Land Use/Land Cover of Hurrumu Town

S.No Land Use Type Area in Hectare Aerea in%

1 Residential 112 40
2 Administration 14 5
3 Commercial 19.04 6.82
4 Services 15.6 5.57
5 Manufacturing 13.2 4.7
6 Recreation 21.84 7.8
S.No Land Use Type Area in Hectare Aerea in%
7 Transport( road) 50.4 18
8 Agriculture 4.2 1.5
9 Forest 5.6 2
10 Special function 2.31 0.83
11 In built up areas 33.91 12.11
Total 280 100

Source: Integrative development plan of Hurumu town. June 9.2007.p.1.

3.3.1. Physical infrastructure of the town

3.3.1.1. Road

From the analysis of the situation and based on the researcher observation and information
gathered through interviews, Bantu town has got all weathered roads (gravel type) in 1996 E.C
(2004). According to researcher personal observation before 2004, there was no road that
connect the town to the main asphalt road that pass through the nearby Metu town. Currently
except the single main road link Hurrumu from Metu town, there is no other roads that passes
through the town and connect Hurrumu with other neighboring woreda town. Personal
observation of the researcher also reveals that there is no circulated access road with in the town
itself. Only in 2012/13 that in three direction intra-urban road constructed to link urban areas to
rural areas of the woreda (Refer Figure 12). Hence, rural-urban and urban-urban linkages are
very less developed in the study area.9

3.4.1.2. Power supply

Hurrumu town has no hydroelectric power supply until January 2007. Thus, from 2007 onwards
the hydropower light is in operation. According to personal observation of the researcher starting
from 2012 till today the provision of this power is inonsistent for use. When the light comes for
one day, in the next day the light will not exist. Still the problem is sustaining without any
solution. Hence dependability on electricity is difficult in the town which negatively affecting
urban development. It is affecting the livelihood of the residents as well as the capacity of the
town to attract local investment.10

3.5.1.3. Telecommunication

From personal experience of the researcher, the existing telephone service in Hurrumu town is
fully automatic which was started to serve in 2005. Formerly as early as 1998, telephone service
manually started in the kebele office. Later on, Ethiopia Telecommunication Corporation has
built its own building at the center of the town and providing full services since 2005 onwards.
Moreover in 2011, the town has got mobile telephone services. The main problem seen in this
sector was shortage of man power that would repair nonfunctional private telephone and
personnel’s providing telephone services in its own buildings. Once the private telephone facing
problem it will stay at least for two months. In addition to the above mentioned problem once
electricity is stopped in the town, telephone services are also stopped.11

3.6.1.4 .Postal service

In Hurrumu town there is no formally organized and structurally organized postal services but
postal agents are serving the town starting from the reign of dergue to till now. According to
personal observation, this postal agent office is found together with shops.12

3.7.2. Social infrastructures and other services in Hurrumu town

3.7.2.1. Water supply

The major water supply source for Hurrumu town comes from the main line of deep
underground water. Hence water which had been a major problem before 1998, this deep well is
solving the problem and supplying clean piped water to the residents. The water scheme found in
the town has a capacity of more than 500m3 / day (OWUDB, 20.07). There is a reservoir in the
town having a capacity of 50,000 liters (50 m3) and 316 private connectors and 13 public tap
serving the town dwellers(Hurrumu woreda water, mineral and energy office, 2017). When the
reservoirs were constructed in 1998, it was projected to serve the town for about 15 years.
Hence, there is a need to construct additional reservoirs for the town.13

In general, there is no shortage of water at the source even overflow is observed in the source
area. Since dependability on electricity is problematic, shortage of clean piped waters occurs
with the absence of hydroelectric power provision in the town.14

3.7.2.2. Health service

Health institutions play a decisive role to maintain a balance of health of citizen’s capability to
build a nation that actively involved in any activities. The town has only one health center which
was established in 2004. Before the establishment of such health center, the town consisted of
one clinic.15

It was first opened in the former kebele office in 1967. Later on 1980’s it was shifted to the new
building which is now used by the municipal office of the town. Based on personal observation
of the researcher now in the town, there are five privately owned clinics and one rural drug
vender. There existed also three veterinary clinics in the town. Moreover, one government
hospital is also under construction which is expected to improve the health status of the town.

Hurumu town health center has been providing various health services as well as primary
maternal health care, child care, vaccination and family planning services. There is also an
ambulance service in the town. According to Head of health office annual report (2013), the
health centers of Hurumu encompasses 12 professional health workers where seven of them are
females while the rest five are males.16

According to the projected population of the town, eight nurses can serve 4028 urban dwellers.
That means, 1 Nurse is serving nearly 504 persons. One midwifery also serving 979 females
projected for the year 2013. Over all one professional health personnel by now is serving nearly
336 persons. The ratio seems good. But, they are not only serving the urban dwellers but also the
surrounding rural residents of the town. It is concluded that, there is acute shortage of
professional man power.17

3.7.2.3 Education

In Hurumu town education is started with the establishment of churches and mosques in 1935.
The churches and mosques provided traditional (religious) education to their respective followers
up until the introduction of formal modern education in the year of 1948. Some years after the
withdrawal of the Italians from Ethiopia. The first school which established in the town was
known as Hurumu elementary school and it is established in 1948. Until 1980 there was no
secondary school in Hurumu town and because of this the students who completed their
elementary school and who wanted to pursue their education were expected to go to Gore to
Jimma, Metu to attend their secondary school education.18

After the foundation of high school in the town in 1980 the students were able to attend school in
their home and their number and their interest in education began to increase. At the same time
families who were reluctant to send their children far away from home because of economic and
security problem now allowed their children to attend school. Nowadays, there are nine
privatelyowned kinder gardens, three private primary (1-4 grade) schools, five private and two
government junior secondary (1-8 grade) schools, two government high schools (9-10 grade)
schools and one preparatory school in Hurumu town.19

3.7.3.3. Tourism industry development

In Hurrumu town and surrounding area, there are caves and megalithic monuments which are
useful for educational research and have to be a potential site for tourism development in the
future. Let alone referring the town we can find caves in two places in the town. The specific
places named as Abba Gemechis picture. Natural cave is especially registered under Oromia
cultural and tourism bureau. Hence, the responsibility to develop the place for tourism is given to
Oromia cultural and tourism bureau.20

3.8. Marriage Practices among the Hurumu Town, Ilu Aba Bora, Ethiopia

Marriage ceremonies information among Hurumu Town communities, Ilu Aba Bora was
obtained by interviewing with elders of the study community. Data were collected from
February, 2017 through March, 2017. Naqataa (betrothal) is the most common type of marriage
among the Hurrumu Oromos followed by Sabat marii, Hawwii, Butii, Aseennaa and Dhalaa.

Ilu Aba Bora of Hurumu Town Oromos have a traditional marriage ceremony which descended
from earlier times (antiquities). The great social significance is attached to the wedding
ceremony. The wedding day is a very important day in the life of both the bride and the groom. It
is important for the bride whose wedding celebrated once in her life. As for the man, he can
celebrate his wedding if he marries second or third wives either because of the death of his first
wife or whenever he wants to have more than one wife.21

However, even for the man, it is the first wedding ceremony which is more important than the
second or the third one. These ceremonies do not take place equally in all forms of acquiring
wife (marriage). The most typical is Naqataa (betrothal) form of marriage where the ceremony
starts at the moment when marriage is first thought of and even continues after the marriage is
concluded in such case as “Ilillee, Mana Aseennaa, Minje Deebii and Torban Taa’umsa”.
Bethortal is a form marriage mostly arranged by the parents of the bride and groom with a great
deal of negotiation. Traditionally the groom's parents search for a bride for their son. Before they
make any contact with the bride's parents, the groom's parents research back seven generations to
make sure that the families are not related by blood.22

Once this has been done, the boy's parents then make contact with the girl’s parents through a
mediator. The mediator goes to the home of the girl’s parents and asks if their daughter will
marry the son of the other parents. The girl’s parents often impose conditions and the mediator
will take the message to the boy's parents, and then arrange a date for both parents to meet at a
mutually convenient location. When the parents have reached an agreement, the man and woman
get engaged (betrothed). The parents then set a wedding date and they meet all the wedding
expenses. After the betrothal is conducted, both parents prepare food and drink for the wedding
and invite guests. The families enjoy the wedding ceremonies of their children and say that
‘”yeroo cidha dhala keenyaa itti arginudha” (it the time to see the wedding of our children).23

Both families begin to make wedding feast including Farsoo1, Daadhii2, Araqee3 and food.
These preparations begin a couple of weeks before the date of wedding. Fifteen or twenty days
beforemarriage, the young girl friends of the bride-to-be are invited to come to her house after
dark to practice singing and dancing. This is called Jaala Bultii4. The boys and girls of the
community gather and sing by the house of the bride and the bridegroom. The singers on the side
of the bridegroom praise him and his relatives while degrading the bride and her relatives by
their songs. The same is true of the singers on the bride’s side.24

One month before the wedding date, the groom requests his companion (hamaamota) and age
mates (Hiriyya) to travel with him to take his bride. It is also his responsibility to choose the
miinjee (miinjota, plural)-the best man. Usually these people come with mule. If most of the
bride’s friends and best men come with their own mules it is assumed to be an indication of
groom’s wealth. The father of the boy also tells one of his age-mates to go with his boy as
waa’ela abbaa (father’s stand-in).24

A week before the wedding date the bride will start washing her clothes, arranging her hair and
finish her unfinished works like traditional clothes and other household furniture. Her friends
will not depart from her thereafter. Women in the neighborhoods of the bride would help the
mother of the bride in grinding, roasting grains which are used for making food and local drinks.
They also fetch water, collect firewood and carryout some other similar works. The men on their
part help by fetching objects, which are necessary for the feast, by constructing temporary
staying rooms called Daassii for the attendants of the feast and decorating the compound.
The bride and her friends often discuss about the departure which is inevitable. During this time
they are sorrowful and often sing breath-taking melodies, the bride makes prose in poetical style
and weep and her friends follow after her in singing the prose and weeping. In the early morning
of the wedding date, the relatives of the bridegroom gather. After a while bride’s companions
gather while girls near the house of the bridegroom sing and dance. After wards, companions
will be provided with food and drinks. The bridegroom then will be dressed with the clothes
especially prepared for that date and will be seated a midst of his relatives.25

3.8.1.Types of Marriage

Other types of marriage experienced among Hurumu Oromos were: (1) Sabbat marii (2) Hawwii
(3) Butii

A. SABBAT MARI

Type of marriage, sabbat marii is the second most frequently exercised type of marriage among
this society. Indirectly it is a forceful marriage, which is practiced in a hurry. It is asking a girl
for marriage which is done by breaching appointment arrangements or it is asking a girl for
marriage without prior arrangement. Sabbat marii literally means rolling or folding a sabbataa (a
long step of cloth, which is worn by Oromos of Hurumu Town area round their waist) and it
connotes a state of fact where the specific time set for a matter is fold and the case is desired to
get its conclusion right there. Its conclusion takes one of the two forms, which are discussed
subsequently. 26

One of the above two forms is that where a day is set for the betrothal by the families of the boy
and the girl, the parents of the boy before the day set for the marriage will prepare a feast in
secret by breaching the appointment. Then the boy will be made gather a company of men
accompanying him in a secret and prepare wedding day clothes for the girl he would like to
marry. Elders and the company of men will be sent to the house of the girl’s family to request the
conclusion of marriage before the date previously set for the marriage. The attendants when they
approach the house of the girl’s family will send people from around the neighborhoods (of the
girl’s family) to request the girl’s family permit the unconditional conclusion of marriage. The
girl’s family will surely suffer from shocking and anger when they listen to such news.27

The people living in that community gather when they come to know that a son of so and so has
come to beg a daughter of so and so in marriage through sabbat marii. Elder people in the
vicinity then plead between the girl’s family and the boy together with his company arguing that
once marriage is agreed up on, the girl’s family should receive and listen to the men falling at the
door of the house of the bride’s family. At this stage, mostly the girl’s mother will create trouble.
Sometimes the elders and the company will stay there during the day and even the night without
losing hope of getting the girl. During this time the neighbors will provide the elders and the
company with food and drinks as much as they can furnish.28

The parents of the girl, even if they are griped strongly, will consent to the conclusion of
marriage if the elders agree to each point in the former contract without any alterations or
reservations. If there is no prior agreement on that point, the girl’s family will usually impose
expensive terms of agreement on the boy. This is to avoid the conclusion of marriage in this way.
The elders in this case accept any term of agreement proposed by the girl’s family and will
request the substitution of less onerous terms for the most onerous ones. Hereafter, the contract
of marriage will be concluded after the gradual negotiation on the terms. Finally, the elders thank
the girl’s family for agreeing with them and the girl be made get ready. According to the
situations, food and drink will be prepared from the girl’s family and the neighbors. Then the boy
will take the girl to his house.29

The other form of sabbat marii type of marriage is where the family of the girl has no prior
knowledge of the marriage intended by the boy’s family. The procedure followed in this from is
in most cases differ to the above mentioned. In the olden days, the boy prepares different things
when he is intending to go the house of the girl’s family. Such things are stone, dry things,
invites all sorts of the hand-capped people (dead, beggars mostly who know to bless or dam
people). In such cases the girl’s family does not refuse their daughter in marriage to the boy
propose. So, they give the girl than being blamed or damned. To lose the girl is preferred than
violating traditional beliefs of the society. Nowadays, sabbat marii is going by having coqorsa,
ulumaa’iiand alangaa. In the middle of the night, the boy with two or three wise old men and a
dozen of his friends silently approaches the house of the girl’s parents.30

B. HAWWII

This mode is characterized by that when a boy remains qerroo (bachelor) for several reason
either because he is not handsome or he is from a family of low social status, the way he gets
married is advised by his parents. The boy has no consent of the family of the girl. Sometimes,
the girl’s mother is involved in arranging marriage of her daughter through hawwii, but she keeps
the secret in order not to make it known to her husband (the girl’s father). This type of marriage
is common among poor people and because of this the best alternative is secret selection type of
marriage. Then the boy tells his father to go on negotiating the marriage where by then the father
or any representative, or even the boy himself starts finding a friend around her house. It is
mostly the girl’s sayyuu (wife of the girl’s brother) that the boy approaches and whom he thinks
that she can keep secret and acts on a go-between.31

The boy’s father can go investigation of her parents to which she belongs. If the criterion of
marriage discussed in chapter two is not fulfilled, the boy’s father refuses the idea proposed by
his son and the matter ceases. On the other hand, if the criteria is fulfilled the father stimulates
the process and gives the money to his son to buy clothes, shoes and umbrella for the girl. After
she has been convinced by the go between, the date of marriage is fixed. As in the case of formal
type of marriage (naqataa) the boy does not go to the house of the girl’s family to take the girl
on the fixed date of marriage. But there are places where the boy and girl with their company can
mostly wait each other. Such places are either in the bush or by a river. She signs an agreement
saying that she was not taken against her will and she will be taken to one of the boy’s relatives
until his parents prepare feast for marriage. In the next day early in the morning elders are sent
from the boy’s family to the girl’s family to make the reconciliation. The girl’s family easily
convinced by the elders and they accept the union and receive a sizeable sum of money. Because
the girl’s family knows that there is no force application involved in marriage of their daughter
and there is no hope that they can get their daughter back, they usually soften to accept the union.
The payment in this type of marriage is usually between 50 and 100 Ethiopian Birr, which is
much less that other type of marriage except aseennaa. After the boy’s family prepares the feast,
the wedding ceremony takes place a week after the first date. The parents of the girl’s also invite
the couple, which is equal to miinjee deebii. Misiraachoo is also completed on the date of
miinjee deebii.32

C. BUTII

The Oromo of this area call butii the type of marriage, which is accomplished by force. This
mode of acquiring wife in the Hurrumu Town Oromo has its reason of taking place especially on
the part of the man, when the boy is refused by girl’s parents, by the girl herself, if he is asked
too much money as a bride wealth and different kind of gifts which he cannot afford. This type
of marriage takes of the following two forms. The first is when the girl has consented she is
induced to be abducted. The second is form is accomplished by compulsion without any prior
knowledge of the abduction (unlike the first from) on the part of the girl.33

The first form of butii type of marriage conducted where the girl’s family suffers from
economical problems. In this case, almost everybody dares not to ask the girl of this family for
marriage. Here, as years roll the girl’s age will go over the above age customarily required for
marriage. Consequently, the society develops a negative attitude towards the girl and stigmatizes
the girl as haftuu, which means remaining unmarried. Thus, the girls at this stage desires to
escape the curse of her family for marrying without their permission, by arranging for her
subsequent abduction by the boy whom she is in love with. She does this without the knowledge
of her family. She usually specifies the way of abduction, which the boy should take into
action.34

Such ways are when she collects firewood, fetching drinking water and other similar situations.
The boy is often informed of one of the above satiations and abducts the girl accordingly. The
second form of butii is that where the boy with his friends abducts the girl from where he hides
himself. The boy, however, waits for the girl in this hiding until she comes to his share. In this
situation, if it happens that the girl is not alone, a combat is almost always likely to occur
between the boy’s friends on the one hand and the women or men with the girl on the other. In
this combat the boy is likely to succeed in the fighting as he often goes out prepared for
abduction. Thereafter, the boy takes the girl with him and then places her in a certain house of
his relatives or bush so that no one from the girl’s family might discover her whereabouts. The
same night, where the abduction carried out, the boy deflowers the girl for a girl who has lost her
virginity will not go back to her family.35

On the tomorrow of the day of abduction, the boy’s family sends elders to the girl’s family to
settle the matter. Settlement is usually difficult. Nevertheless, once the virginity of the girl is
consummated, the girl’s family never ever wants to retake their daughter and so that they can
agree to the matter. This being so, the family of the girl usually ask high compensation sums for
the moral and physical damage sustained by them as a result of the abduction. However, elders
mediate between the two families to fix a reasonable sum agreeable by both sides. Then, the sum
fixed by elders will be paid and the dispute will consequently come to an end. After-wards,
agreement and peace begin to reign and the marriage for which the boy has carried out the
abduction will be conducted.36

END NOTE OF CHAPTER THREE

1. Informant; Legese Mamo

2. Informant; Sitotaw Amare

3. Informant; Yared Abebaw

4. Informant; Zewdu Tedla

5. Hurumu Town municipal office

6. Informant; Tegene Getahun

7. Informant; Chaniyalew Haile

8. Integrative Development Plan of Hurumu Town, june 9.2007. p.1

9. Hurumu Town Transport Office

10. Hurumu Town Municipal Office

11. Hurumu Town Telecommunication Office

12. Hurumu Town Municipal Office

13. Hurumu Town Water, Mineral and Energy office

14. Ibid

15. Hurumu Town Health Office

16. Ibid

17. Ibid

18. Hurumu Town Education Office

19. Ibid

20. Hurumu Town Culture and Tourism Office

21. Informant; Ato Tola Bikila

22. Informant; Ato Wakjira Legese

23. Informant; Ato Sifan Mamo

24. Informant; W/ro Birane Getahun

25. Informant; Ato Damtewu Gesese

26. Informant; Ato Dugasa Kifle

27. Informant; Ato Tafara Wondimu

28. Informant; Ato Desalegn Adisu

29. Informant; Ato Getahun Teshale

30. Informant; Ato Tegegn Mulugeta

31. Informant; W/ro Leke Bekele

32. Informant; Ato Zerihun Befkadu

33. Informant; Ato Mekonon Gamachis

34. Informant; Ato Milkesa Oli

35. Informants; Ato Temsgen Firisa

36. Informants; W/ro Caltu Hundaol

37. Informants; W/ro Alemitu Gutama

CHAPTER FOUR

4. SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

4.1. Summary

According to The Hurumu Town Culture and Tourism Office Head, throughout much of the 20th
century, Hurumu Town was presided over by the emperor, Haile Selassie, who ruled the state
autocratically (single-handedly and dictatorially), until he was overthrown and subsequently
executed in the revolution of 1974. Under Selassie's rule, Hurrum Town economy relied
primarily on agriculture, particularly coffee production. During this time, agricultural production
resembled a feudal system since land ownership was highly inequitable, and the vast majority
of Ethiopians were obliged to till the fields of the wealthy landowners.

The Derg regime, however, known for its particularly brutal suppression of opposition forces,
failed to solve the town many economic problems. In 1991, massive discontent led by the student
movement, declining economic conditions caused by drought and famine, and provincial
insurrections led by ethnic separatist groups forced the Derg chairman and Ethiopian
president, Mengistu Haile Mariam, to flee the country. Following a period of transitional rule by
the Transitional Government of Ethiopia, free elections were held in 1995, resulting in a victory
for the Ethiopian's People's Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF).

Since its democratic assumption of power, the EPRDF has supported a process of economic
reform based on the privatization of state-owned enterprises, promotion of agricultural exports,
and deregulation of the economy. By 1999, the Ethiopian Privatization Agency had already
overseen the privatization of more than 180parastatals, including most state-owned retail shops,
hotels, and restaurants.
Hurrumu Town’s economy remains highly dependent upon coffee production, with 75 percent of
the population deriving its livelihood from the coffee sector. Indeed, from 1995 to 1998, coffee
accounted for an average of 55 percent of the country's total value of exports. This study deals
with urban growth and development in Hurrumu town. The presence of population of certain size
residing permanently in one place is a fundamental requirement for urban growth. Hence, the
study concerned with population size, rate of population growth and areal extent of the study
area. The study also assessed perception and participation of urban dwellers on urban growth and
development. Although the factors and processes involved in urban development are not
confined to specific situation, an attempt has made to examine the complex factors in urban
change. Thus, the study identifies challenges and prospect for urban growth and development in
Hurrumu town. To achieve these objectives different techniques were employed for data
collection, presentation and analysis.

To come to the conclusion systematic sampling techniques was employed to select the
respondents first. Next, data collection instruments such as questionnaires and interviews were
developed to gather data for the research. The researcher used questionnaires, to gather
information from 136 eligible sampled household residing in Hurrumu town. In the study,
interviews from seven purposely selected persons were also conducted. Besides, structured
observation checklist was used to look urban infrastructure of the study places.

After the data was collected, the responses were edited first then categorized into different
classes and groups. The analysis was done by using descriptive statistics, mean rating,
spearman’s correlation co-efficient and severity index analysis.The result of descriptive statistics
done by using frequencies and cross-tabulation showed that urban population in Hurrumu town
increase mainly due to rural to urban migration. On the other hand, fastest population growth rate
occurred in the town after the second census of Ethiopia. The areal increment also occurred in
the study places after the introduction of master plan which increases from 83.1 hectares to 296
hectares.It was identified that concerning to physical infrastructure, intra-urban road
development lagged behind in the town. Problem in HEP provision in the town is also high due
to intermittent nature of power supply. There is also acute shortage of man power in the
telecommunication office of Hurrumu town. No formally and structurally organized postal
service in the town. Concerning to social services, it was identified that no shortage of water at
the source but the town needs additional reservoirs. Access to health services improving in the
town but there was shortage of professional man power in the health center of Hurrumu town.
There is also no access to vocational and technical institution in the town. It was also identified
that 12.8% of the respondents are not educated. It was observed that Poor solid and liquid waste
management in the town which has a potential to cause environmental problem.

In contrast to other socialization agencies such as the family, peer groups, religious institutions
and the tribal elders, and mass media, there is no doubt that schooling commands nearly
undivided attention of students for long hours over many years and remains the most controllable
channel for important cognitive and affective political socialization. During Haile Selassie’s
regime (1930-1974) in Ethiopia, in addition to regarding education as one of the major players
for training and the development of human resources essential for economic growth, the
overarching goal of public schooling has been to build national pride, a strong common national
identity dominated by one ethnic group, obedience to rules and laws, and the development of
respect espousing legitimacy for government and the political institution.  In keeping with the
socialist slogan pursued by the Military Junta from 1974-1991,Ethiopian schools, under the
threat of the gun, were assigned to instill Ethiopian nationalism in order tocreate socialistic-
minded Ethiopians under their authoritarian, military rule.  Galvanized by the mass terror in
Ethiopia under the leadership of the Derg, eventually, the various ethnic groups, preserved
through decades of cultural persecution, economic, and socio-political marginalization,
coordinated their struggle and managed to form an umbrella of an Ethio-national front, known as
the Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Front (EPRDF) . The EPRDF dismantled the Derg and its
functionaries from the Ethiopian power structure in 1991.  Contradicting the hallucination of the
Derg that Ethiopia should universalize education, based on one language to create an Ethiopian
socialist majority and a homogenous national identity, the EPRDF in 1994 strongly
recommended that the educational system, curriculum, and contents of each region inEthiopia
should develop the cultures and languages of the various peoples, nations and nationalities of
Ethiopia. Regional Governments, set up by the proclamation No. 7/1992, were given the
authority to formalize the visions and mission of the educational policy of their regional states.
Therefore, the focus of citizenship training in multiethnic Ethiopia has been tailored to serve the
needs of regional states and foster the practice of democracy.   Over the years, however,  tensions
and contradictory messages have surfaced that  have  precipitated  many new challenges and
galvanized many opposing groups that view the new form of civic training given in the Ethiopian
regional states  as myopic and parochial  and that they may actually limit the Ethiopian youth in
their development of empathy, appreciation, and respect for other cultures. In rebuttal, it has
been argued that the aim of political socialization needs to instill pan-Ethiopian national identity,
to empower Ethiopian youth to have a say in their lives and develop global awareness to meet
Ethiopia’s future cultural and national challenges.   

4.2Conclusion

Hurumu town is located in oromia regional state, illu Abba bor zone in the south west part of the
country at the distance of 600 km from Addis Ababa. It is found on the main road which take to
Metu and Gambela town. According to 2007 national census reported, a total population this
wereda was 42. 667of whom, 21.309 were men and 21.358 were women. In terms of religion,
there are different religions in Hurumu town. Thos are orthodox Christianity, protestant
Christianity and Muslim. Among of this, 41.35% were followers of Ethiopian Christianity,
24.24% were followers of protestant and 34.32% were also Muslim.

According to information obtained from mayor of Hurumu town, the majority of population in
the wereda was engaged agricultural activity which includes crop production and animal
husbandry. They produce like maize, teff, and coffee. The also produce vegetables, fruits and
chat. The also rear animals such as cattle, sheep, goats and poultry. And also trade is another
economic activity of this town. This town has well infrastructural development. This education,
health center, telecommunication, banking service, electric supply, road, water supply, postal
service and e-t-c. There are different types of marriage practice in the Hurumu town like sabbata
mari, hawwi and buuti.

4.3. Recommendations
In response to the findings the followings are recommended. What is important to note here is
that the recommendation are meant to be informative rather than authoritative. First and at most
the municipal office and the kebele office should work collaboratively to narrow information gap
by collecting current and updated data about urban population size and other characteristics of
population.

 Urban development in Hurumu town will be fast in the future if rural to urban and urban
to urban linkage strengthened based on rural development and if Hurumu town will serve
in the future as a center of big market, services and sites for manufacturing industry.

 The following major urban development activities should be done in the town: improving
basic infrastructure (mainly road and HEP provision), working on introducing industrial
development, expanding small and micro scale enterprise development on trade,
restarting provision of urban land, working on urban environmental protection and urban
planning process.

 Urban management should play active role in mobilizing those urban dwellers towards
urban development activities since urban development co-operation tasks are part of real
implementation of the urban plan.

 Concerning marriage practice in the town, almost all society in the world recognizes the
significance of marriage as a source of the foundation of a society which in turn is the
result of many institutions among which one is family. Every society makes it a point to
pay attention to marriage regardless of the technological advancement it has achieved or
the geographical location it is in: irrespective of its being rural or urban. Thus Hurumu
Town Oromo too, as a society, recognizes marriage.

4.4 REFERENCE

1. Published
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List of informants
No Name of Age Place of Date of Remark
informants interview interview

1 Terfa 75 Hurumu 20/11/2016 Priest of

Benti Hurumu
Mekane Iyesus
Church

2 Indarge 80 Hurumu 13/12/2016 Priest of

Misganaw Hurumu
Emmanuel
Church

3 Husen 67 Hurumu 5/11/2016 Secretary

Muktar Office of
Muslim
Community of
the town

4 Tola Bikila 45 Hurumu 21/11/2016 He is resident

of the town

5 Wakjira 80 18/12/201 Hurumu He was mayor

Legese 6 of Metu town
2000-2006 G.C
6 Desalegn 76 11/11/201 Hurumu He is a teacher
Adisu 6 of secondary
school in
Hurumu town
and he
informed
about
marriage
practice of
Hurumu town

7 Temsgen 72 23/12/201 Hurumu Elders of the

Firisa 6 town

8 Zarihun 40 25/12/201 Hurumu Resident of the

Befkadu 6 town

9 Getahun 89 22/11/201 Hurumu Elders of the

Teshale 6 town

10 Dugasa 82 18/11/201 Hurumu Elders of the

Kifle 6 town

11 Milkessa 77 9/12/2016 Hurumu He is the vice

Oli chairman of
 municipality
of the town

12 Sifan 87 3/12/2016 Hurumu Resident of the

Mamo town

13 Birane 61 4/12/2016 Hurumu Resident of the

Getahun town

14 Caaltu 58 30/11/201 Hurumu Elders of the

Hundaol 6 town

15 Yared 43 12/11/201 Hurumu He is employer

Abebaw 6 in
administrative
bureau of
Hurumu town