The Prevalence,Causes And Psychological Consequences Of Begging In Adama City:The Case Of Afan Oromo Speaking Beggars.

Abstract

The main objective of this research was to investigate the major causes, prevalence and psychological consequences of begging in Adama among Afan Oromo speaking beggars . In order to achieve the objectives of the study, the researcher has conducted an in-depth interview with 20-beggar respondents (14 males , 6 females) found in three sites of Adama city Administration Namely, Franco around Bus Station, MabratHayil and Saint Merry church area.The respondents were selected using snowball sampling technique. In addition, two key informants from Labour and Social Affairs office of Adama City Administration and One concerned NGO namely Noble Action Holistic Development (NAHD)were purposefully selected for interview. Observation was also used to investigate the major techniques that beggars used while they ask for alms and their social interactions. After the information were gathered using these instruments, the data were analyzed and described using qualitative approach. Accordingly, the economic, socio-cultura l, environmental and health problems were found as a main causes of begging that pushed the respondent from their home and the social settings of Adama has also pulled or attracted some participants to do begging. Because of begging on the streets, the respondents have developed different psychological and social problems. Therefore, the major social consequences associated with begging were conflict, isolation, limited social interaction, discrimination and low sense of community. Furthermore, shame, guilt-feelings, fear, identity crisis, abuse, stress, depression, hopelessness and suspiciousness were some of the major psychological consequences associated with begging. Begging is not merely an individual problem rather it is as well a societal problem. Finally, based on the major findings, which are major Causes, Consequences and prevalence, possible suggestions and recommendations are forwarded to curb the existing problem of begging in Adama.