THEMES IN THIS TESTIMONY
Communications  
Economics  
Education  
Food Security  
Health  
Population  
Social Relationships  

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Belay

(ETHIOPIA 6)

Sex

male

Age

18

Occupation

student priest

Location

Kurrisa (lowlands)

Date

summary

detailed breakdown

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Section 1  Reasons for reduction in food production – “changes in the climate and the fertility of the soil, the non-application of irrigation, the rugged terrain, and the non-use of improved seeds”. Increase in livestock diseases.
Section 2  Changing market conditions and rising prices, leading to migration of young people from the area to find work elsewhere. Development activities – terraces to reduce soil erosion, schools, medical facilities. Brief mention of social institutions – still survive but becoming weaker.
Section 3  People marrying young and having children – increases pressure on the land. Attitude of lowlanders to highlanders: “The townsfolk look down on the rural community with contempt because of the way they dress and their health condition.” Relations between men and women – less conflict than in past because of education.
Section 4-5  Pride in traditional religious education – but modern education essential too: “Nowadays, the uneducated and those who did not send their children to school are leading a life of hardship.”
Section 6  Traditional means of communications – sending a crier with important news, shepherds passing on new. Impact of modern communications, including access to educational institutions. Spread of AIDS: “This came about by having extramarital sexual relations with another woman and by contacts with truck drivers.”
Section 5  How to survive in times of food deficiency. Changes in food consumption patterns – more fresh food in the past.