(RLDS) - Addis Ababa University

The Ethnic composition of the Woreda is dominated by the Amhara (53.58%) followed by the SNNP and Oromo with 26.4% and 14.6%
respectively. The Tigre people make up only 3.8% out of the total population (Ermias 2000:34). This distribution is different from one kebele to
another. For instance large number of people belonging to SNNP are found in Kebele 23 and 19.
2.5.4. Economic Activities
In ‘Shero Meda’ area significant proportion of the population is dependent on weaving and selling traditional clothes. The Woreda “It is known to
be the home of Artisans mainly weavers and Potters. Woreda Council sources indicates that in some of the Kebele (such as 19 and 23)
more than two third of the population live on weaving” (Ermias 2000:34). Households in ‘Shero Meda’ area use children in weaving and
increasingly more children are engaged in the activity. Out of the economically active population civil Servants, petty traders and private
business owners make up 14.2% , 41.6% and 4.2 % respectively
2.5.5. Social Service Provision
In terms of social service provision there seems to be enough supply of electricity while there is shortage of water supply. According to the
survey conducted in the area only 70% of the population in the Woreda have access to clear water. In the Woreda there are 17 schools and One
hospital, one health center, 6 clinic and 4 health posts in the Woreda. Considering the size of the population the area has shortage of health and
sanitation facilities. In regard to other services like postal service and the telephone service, it is very limited (WVE 1999).
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