The Ethiopian Chapter of OSSREA held its first national workshop on 4 March 2000 at the Graduate Studies Conference Hall, Addis Ababa University. The theme of the workshop was Indigenous Knowledge Systems of the Ethiopian People. This theme, a foundation and component of Africa's knowledge system, had three sub-themes: a) philosophy, b) transfer of knowledge system, c) agriculture, d) medicine and birth control, and e) handicraft.
Participants came from different institutions including research institutions, academic establishments, government organizations and private sectors. In addition, selected students were present. The workshop was attended by 77 persons, a low turnout of about 40% due to various reasons.
Dr. Dereje Aredo, Liaison Officer of the Ethiopian Chapter of OSSREA, made a welcome address. He expounded on choosing the theme on indigenous knowledge and he underlined that our knowledge system is our national resource or heritage that has received little attention from researchers and policy makers.
Ato Amare Dejene, Chairperson of the Association for Promotion of Indigenous Knowledge (APIK) in Ethiopia, made an opening statement. He wondered why highly developed knowledge systems of Ethiopia (such as those demonstrated by the churches of Lalibela) lost dynamism and stopped at a point in history. He pointed out that APIK plans to build networking among international, regional and national organizations interested in the promotion of indigenous knowledge in Ethiopia.
Professor Abdel Ghaffar M. Ahmed, Executive Secretary of OSSREA, made an opening statement and co-chaired the first session. He enlightened the audience on the commendable activities undertaken by OSSREA to build capacity among researchers in the sub-region. He stated that OSSREA has focused on the promotion of high-quality action-oriented research projects in the sub-region, such as on management of resources in pastoral areas. Regarding the theme of the workshop, he underlined that indigenous knowledge is useful in such important areas as governance, conflict resolution and resource management. Finally, he emphasised the importance of scientifically verifying indigenous knowledge.
Dr. Kinfe Abraham, President of Ethiopian Institute for Peace and Development, delivered a keynote address. He pointed out that indigenous knowledge symbolises our identity and perpetuates our cultural heritage. Thus, it should be identified, recorded, explained and preserved for use by generations.
Following the opening addresses, Dr. Dejene Aredo briefly reviewed conceptual framework and research issues. At the end of the one-day workshop, a business session was held during which matters pertaining to the chapter were discussed and decisions made.
