Sidamo

the collective name of a group of peoples living in the mountains of southwestern Ethiopia. Among the Sidamo are the Kafficho (Kaffa), Sidamo (including the Kambatta, Ha-diya, Alaba, and Darasa), Ometo (Wolamo, Chara, Dorze, Koyra, and Basketo), Gimira, and Mao. The Sidamo number about 105 million (1973, estimate). They speak Cushitic languages. Most Sidamo are Christians; some are Muslims, and a few retain the traditions of ancestral clan and tribal cults. The Sidamo practice mountain farming and livestock breeding; the principal crops are teff, durra, and barley.