ABSTRACT
The 1975 Rural Land Proclamation in Ethiopia triggered the emergence of peasant institutions, based on socialist principles that were intended to bring about the political, economic, and social transformation of rural Ethiopia. The first institution to be founded at that time was the peasant association. The establishment of peasant associations was the most vital step undertaken to overcome the structural problems of peasant production. The institution which best symbolizes the Agrarian Reform in Ethiopia is the peasant association, which has been the foundation of rural life since the March 4, 1975 Rural Land Proclamation. The most important task that was satisfactorily undertaken by the majority of peasant associations, regardless of region, is the distribution of land to members. Peasant associations in most areas have assumed the responsibility of local government at the village level as envisioned in the proclamation. The general assembly consists of all head-of-households in the peasant association.
