The Role of Shimglina Customary Conflict Resolution Mechanism in Rural Land Disputes in Amhara people of Ethiopia

Abstract

The objective of this paper is to find out shimglina customary conflict resolution mechanism in rural land dispute in Bahir Dar Zuria Woreda of Amhara people. The researcher used Qualitative research methodology with case study research design. It is found that shimglina customary conflict resolution mechanism used to land dispute resolution. In addition, the Study revealed, using the various forms of shimglina in land dispute resolution gave benefits for the community to reconcile and heal the grievances and the negative psychological wounds of the disputants by attaching shimglina to the living God. The strengths of using the various forms of shimglina customary conflict resolution mechanism in land dispute is timeliness, accessibility, restoring the broken peaceful relationship, respect, participatory, flexibility and the complimentary service for the economically poor community. The actors of shimglina customary conflict resolution in land dispute are local elders, religious leaders, relatives of the disputants, and members of spiritual associations. The regional government of Amhara should work to the development of the various forms of shimglina customary conflict resolution mechanism for rural land disputes.