THEMES IN THIS TESTIMONY
Communications  
Family Life  
Food Security  
Health  
History  
Social Institutions  
Social Relationships  
Spiritual Beliefs  

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Berhanu

(ETHIOPIA 5)

Sex

male

Age

70

Occupation

farmer

Location

Flaqit (lowlands)

Date

E

summary

detailed breakdown

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Section 1  Disappearance of the forest, depletion of the soil, drought and hardship.
Section 2  Changes in marriage and sexual relations. Aids as the result of adultery and as a punishment devised by God. Deterioration in relations between Christians and Muslims: “When the wolf sees the antelope, it runs to eat it and the antelope flees to save its life. Nowadays people are like this, too.” Neglect of the old and weak.
Section 3  Personal experience of having land taken away under the Derg’s (military regime 1974-89) land redistribution scheme. Unsuccessful attempt to become an inderaise (administrator).
Section 3-4  Technology and improvements in communications: “I am really amazed at the achievements of science.” However, sees scientific education as causing the gradual disappearance of religion.
Section 4-5  Reflections on colonialism under the Italians – benefits despite violence of the occupation. Proliferation of disease despite modern medicine. Advantages of modern education but personal preference for traditional religious education – “because we will all die and our soul needs redemption. Meanwhile, physical needs not being met: “Famine is hovering over our heads, for the food available is insufficient.”