LIFE IN THE HEART OF SOUTHWEST ETHIOPIA: A CLOSE LOOK OF THE HAMAR COMMUNITY’S PASTORAL LIFE STYLE

Abstract

Ethiopia is a country with a rich cultural history spanning thousands of years and where diverse ethnic groups coexist. This study focuses on one example of this diversity, the rural Hamar community in the Lower Omo Valley, which is internationally recognized for its unique cultural practices and ecological richness. The Hamar community is among the diverse ethnic groups in the Southern Omo Region and uniquely embodies a pastoral lifestyle closely linked to agro-pastoralism, in which cattle play a central role both culturally and economically. This study presents an in-depth examination of the pastoral lifestyle and traditional practices of the Hamar community in the Lower Omo Valley in southwestern Ethiopia. The aim is to understand the cultural, economic and environmental dynamics underlying the lifestyle of the Hamar community and to explore the unique socio-economic structure and ecological adaptation of this community. The study is also intended to contribute to the sustainability of pastoralism and to the preservation of cultural diversity at both a regional and a global level. The use of observational and participant observation methods aims to delve deeply into the daily practices of the society and provide valuable data in the context of future biological anthropology. Through this research, the paper contributes to the broader discourse on the preservation of indigenous cultures in Ethiopia, highlighting the need to protect the rich heritage of the Hamar community amidst evolving external influences.