Abstract:

Ethnography has long been recognized as a scientific description of people and culture in their natural setting.  A few studies have examined annals of the Gadaa system. This study attempts to contribute to a better understanding of Gadaa system by reviewing related researches at antecedent, present and future levels. The majority of studies were confined to Borana zone but the research work was particularly based on the studies conducted in Guji zone. So it is unique in itself. Drawing on perspectives of records of Gadaa system, the researcher identified the researches year by year and reviewed the items measured, approach used, contribution and research gap. Researchers find that were as “Guji” Gadaa” studies in period between 1977-2007based on structuralism have a constructivist ontology. Furthermore, the results indicate that from 2010-2020, research approach used in Gadaa studies shifted from natural positive realism to over-positive critical realism and after that to critical theory of historical realism. The author also discussed the further challenges and new approach need to be adopted.