Abstract

This study revealed participatory governance rooted in Gadaa system by focusing on manbadha general assembly of the Arsii Oromo. The concept ‘manbadha’ (literally meaning wide house) is used by the Arsii Oromo to mean Gadaa general assembly. To this effect, interview, focus group discussion (FGD) and observation were used to procure data. The finding of this research revealed that Gadaa system is participatory when analyzed from the perspective of roles of age grades, decentralization approach, gender issues and openness for the mass.  Based on this fact, it is logical enough to conclude that the way age grades and political parties are designed, the means by which people are involved in the process of governance and opposing views are all integrated, and also validate the fact that Gadaa system of the Arsii Oromo is participatory. Therefore, current polity of the country shall utilize Gadaa system of the Oromo to boost the democratization process of the country and enhance peoples’ engagement in decision making.

Key words: Gadaa, Manbadha, Arsii, participatory, governance.