A SOCIO-ECONOMY HISTORY OF SERU TOWN, 1941-1991

ABSTRACT The historical studies so far conducted on Ethiopian urbanization emphasized on the foundation, growth and development of large towns. Due to these, the urbanization process of small towns such Seru town and the like were got little or no attention by these studies. Thus, thishistorical study fill the gap by substantiating urban historiography of Ethiopia in general and Arsi particularly in which many scholars left aside small town. Also providing as sources for others scholars whom are interest in studying of urbanization. As the same time these researches serve as spring board for other historians but also contribute to enriching, reconstruction and expansion of national history. In the historical study deals with the history of Serutown from its foundation in 1991 the very objective of the thesis is attempt to reconstruct the social, economic, administrative, religious, institutional and history of town based on different Sources. For this study historical research method is utilized. The main three steps of in historical research method were followed: Collection of data both from primary and secondary sources as well as oral source: Criticism of data collected including the process of external criticism and internal criticism; and the presentation of the facts by considering issues of organization and interpretation. Accordingly, the writing of history of Seru town is based on data collected from different sources found in different areas. The thesis extensively uses every available source tha I am highl yrelate to the study area with careful evaluation of the sources validity. Even though the main focus is both primary and secondary sources, I will also consider elderly community members in order to reconstruct the broad sketch by interviewing who have good knowledge about foundation and development of Seru town. Primary and secondary sources on the study area are however scanty and therefore, fulfilled by oral information. I will also give great consideration to elderly community members in orderto reconstruct the broad sketch by interviewing who have good knowledge about foundation and development of Seru town. Primary and secondary sources on the study area are however scanty and therefore, fulfilled by oral information. All data gathered are organized and grouped into their categories. These data together with oral information are carefully arranged and crosschecked. Then the data are analyzed, described, interpreted and narrated chronologically and thematically. It is in this way that thehistory of Seru town from foundation up to 1991s is reconstructed.