Paper short abstract:

This paper presents a deep-time perspective on the tula wells in southern Ethiopia. Survival of this successful but threatened water management system is contingent on dynamic responses that accommodate the interests of different actors while preserving their symbolic significance and history.

Paper long abstract:

The tula wells in southern Ethiopia represent an indigenous water technology and water governance system that transcended generations. This presentation presents a deep-time perspective on the use of the wells and argues that continuity of this successful but threatened water management system and key resource is contingent on the dynamic responses that accommodate the interests of different social groups while utilizing technologies that simplify use of water from tula wells in a manner that preserves the socio-cultural significance of the wells. The wells play crucial roles in Borana ritual performances, cultural identity, political debate, pastoral production, human and livestock fertility, and above all nagaa Borana (peace of Borana). Borana pastoralists connect past, present and future generations through tula wells ownership. A conservative estimate shows that the wells have been in use for at least 600 years. We present the results of a study aimed at understanding the socio-cultural symbolism of tula wells, threats to the continuity of the water system, and its transformation. Key informant interviews, group discussion, and observation were the main tools to gather data. Tula wells have been undergoing structural, social and institutional transformations in terms of labour organization, economic contributions from collective owners and users, and institutions that manage the wells. The transformation is partly an adaptation to socio-economic and ecological dynamics and partly imposed by development actors.