Machaho Tellem Chaho

I am reading 'Leaf of Allah : Khat and agricultural transformation in Harerge Ethiopia 1875-1991' a book by Ezekiel Gebissa, 2004. I really wanted to spread open here, by way of a summary, the wisdom contained in this book - as I see it given - as well as pointing out historical info. No study of the Horn of Africa, be it historical, cultural, social and especially religious, can be complete without looking into Khat, so part one here you go: * * * * * The mirqaana : the desired state of heightened energy, reached in all and each of the following three phases. 1. The Igabana : The Eye Opener. ‘A typical farmer in the rural areas of Harerge starts the day by going into his oyiru, the family garden’ . He inspects the farm and by 9am he goes to his khat orchard and settles down with other men for the morning chew. Igabana means the eye opener). A small quantity only of khat is chewed to quickly achieve a mirqaana so that ensues a burst of energy for labour intensive daily acti...