The main purpose of this study was to investigate the potential causes of marital conflicts and to
describe the available customary marital conflict resolution mechanisms which are used in the study
area. The research was conducted in Bonga and Gimbo community, which are located in the Southern
Nations Nationalities Peoples’ Regional State, particularly in Kafa Zone. Qualitative research approach
was employed in this study for its appropriateness to meet the stated objectives. The informants were
selected purposively and data was collected through the use of in depth interview, FGD, case study,
personal observation as well as informal interview. In terms of sample size, a total number of 24
informants were participated. In depth-interviews with 6 (six) key informants; Six (6) cases; 2 FGD (each
group consisted six members); observations during the conflict resolution proceedings takes place as well
as informal interviews were used as a data collection tool in order to collect primary data. The secondary
data were obtained from; books, journals, magazines, published and unpublished research materials. To
interpret the data which was gathered through primary and secondary sources, thematic analysis method
were used. The finding of the study shows that, among Kaffecho, the dominant ways of marriage
formation were appeared to be arranged marriage, free choice marriage with parental acceptance and
free choice marriage without parental acceptance. Establishment of marriage was much related with the
causes of marital conflict as well as resolution mechanisms. In the study area, the major causes of marital
conflict were happened to be, establishing marriage without parental acceptance, adultery, interferences
of children, fail to fulfill the expected role as a husband or wife. The most widely practiced marital
conflict resolution mechanisms in the study area were done through, in-law relations (nacho), best-man
relation (Miyaatoo), religious leaders as well as community elders (Sheewe Genoo), volunteer associations
(Idirro) and traditional belief leaders (Alamos). The finding also revealed that the customary marital
conflict resolution mechanism is commonly used in resolving marital conflicts in the study area.
Generally, for the region like Kaffa, where there are very few accesses of getting marriage counseling and
family therapy services, it would be very wise decision to appreciate as well as preserve the traditional
mechanisms of marital conflict resolution which are available in my study area.