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Exploring the informal learning experiences of women in a pastoral community in Ethiopia: The case of pastoral women in Karrayyu

Abstract In Ethiopia, there has been increasing recognition of the differing educational needs and experiences of pastoralists as compared to ‘settled’ agricultural communities. Although the starting point has usually been how to integrate such marginalised groups into mainstream schooling, research has revealed important insights into learning outside educational institutions and the ways in which people in pastoral communities learn informally from a young age how to lead a pastoralist life. Building on a qualitative study conducted in the Karrayyu (also spelled as Kereyu, Karayu, Karrayu, Karrayyuu) pastoral community of Ethiopia, this article explores how Karrayyu women are engaged in intergenerational and informal learning. It considers a range of knowledge and skills learned through informal means and examines traditional midwifery in depth through a ‘community of practice’ lens. While the Karrayyu value their knowledge and skills they are ignored and denigrated outside of their community. Karrayyu pastoralist society is facing huge change but literacy, health and agriculture training and extension work are not based on the indigenous knowledge and ways of knowing. Nevertheless, the Karrayyu are learning the non-indigenous skills and knowledge necessary for survival through informal methods.