Education and Nomadic Pastoralism in Ethiopia

Abstract

Pastoralists are primarily raising and depending on livestock. Their products are used as their sources of food and income (Dawit, 2000). Pastorlism which is a way of life for pastoralist is one form of nomadism. Nomadism is any type of existence characterized by an absence of fixed domicile. It reflects a life style based up on maintenance of herds of animals, which mainly migrate in search of natural vegetations, grasses and water (Awogbade, 1991). Nomadic pastoral people have distinct cultural characteristics that are depicted by their varying residential and social settings. They are the most marginalized groups in the acquisition of education and other social services, because of their constant migration and dispersions. They are also considered as backward and change resistant. Thus, the rate of illiteracy among nomadic pastoralists in many African countries ranges from 80-100 percent (Ezeomah, 1995). According to the World Declaration of Education for All (WCEA, 1990), education is a fundamental right for all people throughout the world. Ethiopia is committed herself to offer basic education to all sectors of the society regardless of any differences. I n this paper attempt is made to highlight who are pastoral groups in Ethiopia and the trends of educational provision for this group of the society. What did the provision of education for pastoralists look like in the past regimes and at present is also another concern of this paper .