Haramaya University to Participate on Irreecha Study
Haramaya University has been asked to participate in a study focusing on Irreerecha, one of the Gada system.
The Oromo Studies Institute signed a cooperation agreement with Addis Ababa, Jimma, and Arsi universities two years ago to conduct research on the Gada culture profile and its special reference in Irrecha.
Dr. Abebe Keno, a researcher at Addis Ababa University’s Academy of Languages and Cultures, explained that the purpose of the study is to publish the results of 70 ethnographic research conducted on Irreerecha and various events in the encyclopedia, as well as an additional 20 articles in internationally renowned research journals.
The research team is collecting data in various areas of Oromia Regional State including Arsi, Tulema and Jimma. Dr. Abebe said that the research is progressing well by working with various stakeholders and that training had been provided on how to conduct the research and how to store the research data.
Dr. Abebe Keno, a researcher at Addis Ababa University’s Academy of Languages and Cultures, explained that the purpose of the study is to publish the results of 70 ethnographic research conducted on Irreerecha and various events in the encyclopedia, as well as an additional 20 articles in internationally renowned research journals.
The research team is collecting data in various areas of Oromia Regional State including Arsi, Tulema and Jimma. Dr. Abebe said that the research is progressing well by working with various stakeholders and that training had been provided on how to conduct the research and how to store the research data.
Dr. Tilahun Telila, who is a teacher and researcher of Oromo language, literature, and culture at Addis Ababa University, has announced that the Oromo Studies Institute has reached an agreement with three universities to produce a scientifically supported encyclopedia in the Oromo and English languages.
Dr. Tilahun stated that the results of the research he has carried out so far have been satisfactorily discussed in the presence of scholars from the College of Society and Humanities of Haramaya University.
In order to complete the research on Gadaa Irreerecha, Haramaya University has been asked to contribute to the research on Afran Qallo, Ituu, and Humbanna, it was indicated.
Dr. Yisahak Yusuf, vice president of Research and Community Engagement of Haramaya University, explained that Haramaya University, as requested by the Oromo Studies Institute, will work together with the three universities to contribute to the achievement of the intended goal of the study and research work.
Dr. Reta Duguma, the director of the Gada Research Institute at Haramaya University, explained that it is necessary to document the Oromo worldview, philosophy, ethics, vocabulary and concepts related to Gada and Irreecha to bring out the accumulated indigenous knowledge of the Oromo people and for future generations to learn from it.
The research institution is ready to work together as there are many advantages of cooperating, he added.
By፦ Shemsedin Mohammed
Photographer- Tewodros Lishan
Haramaya University Public & International Relations Directorate