Location:
Oromia Region (370km from Addis Ababa)
Altitude:
1,300m
Climate:
Warm and humid
Travel:
By vehicle (11 hours: 400km)
People:
Oromo people (Oromo language [Oromiffa] is
widely spoken), Islam, and Christian (Catholic, Orthodox and Protestant). The
Oromo constitute about half of Ethiopia's population (more than 30 million of 70
million) and is one of the most numerous language groups in Africa which enjoys a
homogeneous culture and shares a common language, history and descent and once
shared common political, religious and legal institutions. The Oromo are one of
the Cushitic speaking groups of people with variations in color and physical
characteristics ranging from Hamitic to Nilotic. (Cushitic) Source:
Oromia Online
FHI:
The Integrated Community Development Project was
started in July 2004 by providing assistance to more than 40,000 people, including
Muslim settlers who came from drought-prone areas in the western part of the
country, and to the local Christian communities. Major activities are water and
sanitation (provision of clean water and promotion of public health);
agricultural support to farmers on improved farming technology; and capacity
building of villagers toward sustainable livelihood and leadership.
Housing:
Simple Staff compound.
Meal:
Local food (spicy, oily).
Communication:
Mobile Phone (24 hours), depending on the location.
Field trip:
Accompany FHI staff to visit project site (Education,
Agriculture and Water), depending on areas of interest. Observe Muslim settlers
and the local Christian hosting villages.
