This study is concerned with challenges and opportunity of gada system in peacebuilding among Borana Oromo community of south Ethiopia. The objective of this paper was to assess the challenges and opportunities of the homegrown( gada system) in peacebuilding in Borana Oromo community. To achieve the objectives, a qualitative case study of research design was implemented. Members of gada council, gada leaders who are active in peacebuilding, concerned officials from Oromia and Borana culture and tourism office of government structure, knowledgeable elders of the Borana Oromo community were purposively selected as a sample of the study. Accordingly, in-depth interviews, key informant interviews, and focus group discussions were conducted. Data obtained by interviews and focus group discussion were analyzed and interpreted by applying relevant approaches to qualitative research. The findings show that there are challenges and opportunities in the practice of Gada system in peacebuilding. The politicization of gada leaders, religion, lack of budget for gada institution, low knowledge of gada systems are challenges of gada system in peacebuilding. On the other side, the gada system has the opportunity to maintain peace and bring peace and stability due to its nature that promotes democratic cultures and principles as its core values. In general, the study concludes that an effort of peacebuilding by gada system is effective to some extent requiring more actions to be done. The community is peacefully asking their question as compared to the past four years which is more violent without destruction of resources currently but this does not mean it brought a complete or lasting peace among the group rather show the system has its own contribution in building peace in the Borana zone.

Keywords: Gada, Gada System, Peacebuilding, Politicization