Jimma Zone Agricultural Office

The present Jimma Administrative zone resumes its historical origin more or less from the growing small states of the Gibe basin formed at the late 16th and early 17th century .The five main states formed during those times along this basin were Limmu Enariya ,Jimma ,Gomma ,Gumay and Gera states .The establishment of these states had been possible by the day’s activities such as

Growing and expanding sedentary type of agricultural transformation.
The growing capacity of local industries and
Important local and long distance trade that flourished in the region /zone.
The zone was economically and socially strong relative to other parts of the region because of the following reasons:

Its potential for effective supply and route of the predominant exportable items.
Its geographical and Economic importance as trade for import and export.
Its importance for the spread of Islamic religion during the 19th century.
In the five kingdoms of Gibe states, the type of administrative structure established during the period had taken the form of hierarchy that puts the “Moti” (King) at the very top and the domains of his council. Abba Koros and Abba gandas etc at its bottom i.e. Each state being politically independent of each other and hence each kingdom divided into its many small districts named Koros. These Koros headed by governors known by Abba Koros. The Social Class or individuals that had smaller power than Abba Koros were called abba gandas who were responsible for collection of taxes from land owners or peasants. The responsibility of legal and court affairs were given to the government appointed officials called Abba Mizamu. (Adapted from Socio-Economic Profile of Jimma Zone; May,1997 E.C).