Conflict Resolution and Community Development: Through Customary Structures, the Case of Oromo Society in Woliso Area, Ethiopia

There are customary structures among the Woliso Oromo. Among others, the most venerated and widely spreading community structures embrace abba kuma, abbaa dbibbaa, luka, laga and abiyo spirit. These age-old customary structures were deep embedded in the socio-cultural lives of the community. The roles of these community structures in community development and conflict resolutions have been quite immense. Their integrative role is to keep the community together as a unit possessing and reflecting common socio-cultural and historical assets. Their pivotal role in maintaining peace and order among the community had been profound. The customary community structures in Wolisso area have got useful functions for social, economic, political, cultural, historical and environmental developments.