Socioeconomic Impacts of the Artisan Implements on the Peasants Living Conditions, the Oromo of Southwestern Ethiopia, Jimma: A Historical Perspective

Abstract

The study identified the existence of a sustainable socioeconomic correlation between artisan implements and the agrarian society of the Gibe region. Handicraft work among the Gibe Oromo peasants brought about a wide range of socioeconomic and political developments that have made the region famous in all aspects. Blacksmiths, tanners, potters, weavers, woodworkers, basketry, and others are among the major crafts that are attributed to people’s daily living conditions. The utensils of artisans positively influence the livelihoods of the region’s agrarian societies. As a result, without artisan implements, all socioeconomic practices, including agriculture, would be unthinkable. Despite their socioeconomic contributions, the artisans’ are all victims of segregation rooted in legends, riddles, proverbs, and others. Similarly, the implements of artisans have recently been threatened due to discouraging socioeconomic perceptions against the artisans and the expansion of industrial tools. The study used both primary and secondary sources to address the existing literature gaps.