Social Exclusions; the Case of Manjo in Keffa, Southern Ethiopia

Abstract

This study primarily focuses on assessing the practice of social exclusions on Manjo minority groups in Keffa. A qualitative research approach was employed in order to get depth data to understand and interpret the lived experiences of Manjos. Accordingly, in-depth interview, focused group discussions and observation are employed and a total of 25 in-depth informants, 4 FGDs constituting of 6 individuals in each group and who were recruited through snowball sampling. Informants were selected purposefully from Gimbo woreda (Kaya-kella and Qaja – araba) kebeles. There have been studies conducted by different scholars on the marginalization and discrimination practices on Manjos by Keffa society. However, the studies have given more emphasis on the socio-economic impact of marginalization and discrimination practices on Manjos. Hence, this study tried to assess the current socio-cultural conditions of Manjos. Manjo minority groups are one of the marginalized and discriminated social groups in broader Keffa society due to their clan identity. The study emphasizes social organization of Manjos and various manifestations of the exclusions. Moreover, the study explores the overall living conditions of Manjos in terms of economic, social, and political features within the sociocultural activities of the dominant groups. The finding showed that there is improvement on their economic aspects. However, they are still experiencing the total exclusion that manifested in terms of social, cultural, political and spatial dimensions. There were intervention strategies by Ethiopian government as well as other nongovernmental organizations including religious organization for the inclusion of Manjo but, it was not satisfactory. Based on the finding, the study forwarded policy implications and the possible recommendations. Therefore, the Ethiopian government and policy planners should plan for longer time frame for intervention, the responsible stakeholders (keffa society, Manjo themselves, government civil servants and nongovernmental organizations, religious institutions and so forth) should work together for the great inclusion of Manjos.