An Assessment of Blood Revenge Practices in Amhara National Regional State: The Case of Central Gondar Zone Particularly Dabat Woreda

Abstract

Thisstudy wasintended to explore blood revenge practice and communities perception, to examine the cause, consequence, intervention mechanism, societies view and reasons for the continuation of blood revenge practice. This study employed a qualitative research approach with a case study design. Data were collected by using in-depth interview with seven key informant interviewees were selected by using a purposive sampling technique based up on their knowledge and experience on the issue under study and three focus group discussions which have composed of 6 persons who were selected as a case and a total Samples of twenty five people. The data were analyzed by using a thematic data analysis. The findings of the study have shown that blood revenge practice caused family, economic and societal problems in the community. Disputes and conflicts arise because of land, alcoholism, tradition of having extra marital sexual practice. Land conflicts, society’s perception towards blood revenge practice and socialization process lead to disastrous effects on individuals as well as on group’s contribution to blood revenge among family members at the highest number. Regarding with contributing factor for continuation of blood revenge practice is the weakening of indigenous mechanisms and poverty play crucial role. The number of people who lost their lives in blood revenge killing is huge in the community due to illegal weapon smuggling. So, from perspective of minimizing risk of blood revenge, this study emphasizes the need to seriously take into account the impact of blood revenge upon the communities. The need to strengthen indigenous intervening mechanisms, particularly shimgilina, and providing continuous awareness, to reduce blood revenge wants emphasis.