Content analysis of oral poems performance on agricultural inputs of farmers in Borena district

Abstract

The main objective of this study is to conduct a content analysis on the oral poem performed by farmers in Borena district when using chemical fertilizer, compost, herbicide, & terracing in their farm land to increase their productivity. The study followed a qualitative research method, and 15 farmers were selected through purposive & snow ball sampling methods, & the necessary data for the study were collected from the field through interviews. In addition, field observations & document reviews served as data collection method. The data collected through these methods were captured through note books, audio recordings, photographs, video cameras and then organized by type & analyzed using functional & performance theories, as well as descriptive methods. The results of the data analysis indicated that farmers engaged in agricultural activities praised the fertilizer in oral poems for being able to be productive by using chemical fertilizer that are suitable & beneficial for their crops, which are manufactured in factories & are a mixture of various ingredients. The compost which is prepared with indigenous knowledge has been praised in oral poetry for increasing productivity. The herbicide which increases the farmers’ productivity has been praised in the poem. The farmers praised the work of the terraces for its great benefits in protecting the fertility of the soil from various natural & man – made hazards & increasing productivity. Finally, the researcher suggests that historians, sociologists & anthropologists who want to study the history, social life, culture, etc. of the district where the study was conducted could use the oral poems as a source of information.