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Study was conducted on the mitigation of vendetta case and oath based conflict management in Jawi district of northwest Ethiopia. The study was aimed at investigating the mitigation and reconciliation of vendetta and management of conflicts through an oath, from a symbolic ritual perspective. Primary data were collected by in-depth interviewing of informants and through informal conversation methods. Secondary sources reviewed from empirical researches, statistical documents and from locally conducted studies on the study theme were used to complement first hand data. The primary and secondary data were analyzed and organized thematically, cross checking the results obtained by those methods to increase validity of the research. The study found that vendetta, which has been a common phenomenon in the study area, was mitigated and resolved through an indigenous reconciliation system accompanied by a symbolic ritual. Oath involving diverse symbolic procedures was found to be another widely practiced mechanism of managing disputes in the study area. In both cases the traditional role of symbolism appeared to be crucial in terminating violence, implementing and sustaining effective reconciliation, and rebuilding harmony and peaceful coexistence in the society. The strict traditional symbolic rituals and procedures containing elements of supernatural belief conducted during reconciliation of vendetta and execution of an oath reinforce on the disputing parties a serious observance of the reconciliation. The study implied that the indigenous reconciliation of vendetta and oath based management of conflicts, together with the aid of symbolism, are effective in restoring sustainable peace and efficient in terms of finance, time, and energy.

PurposeAlong with the varied values of heritages which are rationale for their safeguarding, sustainable conservation and tourism development have become central agendas in the field of heritage management in contemporary world. This study attempts to elaborate such interconnected issues at Mandeba Monastery, emphasizing not only cultural heritages but also mutually reflecting on natural features which are integral part of the monastery.Design/methodology/approachInterviewing and systematic observation alongside secondary sources were used to generate data which were analyzed thematically.FindingsBeing a site for incredible collections, Mandeba maintained a tradition of not only heritage conservation and benevolent communal interaction but also of ecological sustainability. The rich collections together with its spectacular location on the shore of Lake Tana enable Mandeba to have highly noticeable tourism potentials. However, Mandeba encounters such challenges as inadequate museum, safety and security problems, lack of sufficient budget, professional, parasitic animal damages, weak promotion and lack of tourist facilities which hamper both conservation and tourism development on the site, which need to be tackled for the overall improvement of the monastery.Originality/valueThis research is original, presenting the ground knowledge and practice regarding the relationship between heritage conservation on the one hand, and local livelihood, environmental management and tourism sustainability on the other hand, with regard to the immovable cultural/religious heritage site of Mandeba Medahinealem Monastery.

Indigenous institutions, local‐level organisations based on societal values, are receiving a positive appreciation for their acceptability and sustainability. The purpose of this research is to demonstrate the roles of indigenous institutions in the social and economic lives of people, presenting evidence from the three indigenous institutions of the Awi people in Ethiopia, namely: the “Awi Equestrian Association”, “Head of Cow”, and “Head of Water”. The research is based on an ethnographic approach and qualitative design. Informants were chosen by purposive sampling. Data were collected mainly through interviewing, complemented by focus group discussion, observation, and review of relevant literature, which were thematically analysed together with the primary data. The findings of the study reveal that the Awi Equestrian Association works on charity, social welfare, reconciliation, festivity, and recreation, whereas Head of Cow and Head of Water institutions are engaged in the efficient and equitable management of cattle and irrigation water resources, respectively, plus managing conflicts between people in their respective sectors. Conflict resolution and justice maintenance was found to be the common feature of all the three indigenous institutions. The research concludes that the three indigenous institutions of the Awi have remarkable roles in terms of social support, conflict resolution, resource management, and reinforcing social cohesion.