Guddifachaa: An Indigenous Childcare Practice of Oromoo Society
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Abstract
The study aimed at describing guddifachaa from perspectives of triad parties and ways to revitalize in Tuulamaa Oromoo. The study used descriptive qualitative method. Out of non-probability sampling, purposive and snowball were used. Data collection methods were in-depth interview, key informant, non-participant observation and secondary data sources. The study found that guddifachaa is an ingenious, indigenous and endogenous childcare which has been practiced in a ritual way since time immemorial. Guddifachaa is a customary adoption in which adoptive families adopt a child from biological families based on their interest and consensus to bring up an adoptee as per Safuu and cultural norms, values, rituals, and obligations. Guddifachaa is viewed positively because it enables childless families to have their own children to give social protection and social security in turn. To revitalize guddifachaa, Gadaa system should be revived because it is all about cultural, social and political issues as far as it is the symbol umbrella of Oromoo identity. The study recommends that since customary adoption is a base for formal adoption, governmental and non-governmental organizations should support and give recognition for guddifachaa.