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The Banna people
The Banna people, also known as Banya, are an Omotic ethnic group residing in Ethiopia’s Lower Omo Valley. Their traditional homeland is situated between the Weyto and Omo rivers, extending from the towns of Gazer to Dimeka. The Banna territory is divided into two main ritual regions: Ailama, located around Gazer, and Anno, which spans from Benata to Dimeka. According to the 2007 census, the Banna population is around 47,000. The Banna people engage in a mix of agricultural, pastoral, hunting, and gathering practices. They primarily cultivate crops such as maize, sorghum, and millet, and raise livestock including cattle, goats, and sheep. This diversified subsistence strategy helps them adapt to…
