Indigenous Conflict Resolution Mechanisms for Family Disputes: A Study among the Tembaro People of Central Ethiopia

This study was conducted among the Tembaro people, who are one of the Special woredas in the central Ethiopia. It was designed as a qualitative exploratory study. The researcher conducted in-depth interviews with 20 community elders, 8 key informant interviews from various offices (3 from the court office, 3 from the police office, and 2 from the culture and tourism office), and 3 focus group discussions (FGDs). Data analysis involved transcribing, categorizing, coding, and thematizing the information into meaningful units. The study identified several causes of family conflict in the area, including property ownership, inheritance issues, marriage disputes, theft, alcohol addiction, verbal insults, violence against women, disagreements during mourning ceremonies, and murder. Various indigenous institutions are involved in resolving conflicts among the Tembaro people, including Lemalla Molla, Lahi Womma, Balee Womma, Baddi Woma, and Rider.