Assessing the Impacts of Expropriation and Compensation on Livelihood of Farmers: The Case of Peri-Urban Debre Markos, Ethiopia

Tilahun Dires,Worku Nega,Sayeh Kassaw Agegnehu,Derjew Fentie,Yeneneh Hunie,Mulugeta Tenaw,Reinfried Mansberger

doi:10.3390/land10060614

Tilahun Dires, Worku Nega + Show 5 more

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https://doi.org/10.3390/land10060614

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Abstract

In Ethiopia, expropriation and compensation measures have become a great concern due to horizontal urban expansion and development induced projects. Especially in peri-urban areas, the livelihood of farmers is affected by expropriation without fair and comparable compensation. This paper investigates the impacts of expropriation and compensation activities on livelihood of peri-urban smallholders taking Debre Markos Town as a case study area. Mixed research methods were employed. Quantitative data were gathered using a structured questionnaire and by interviewing about 100 smallholders. Qualitative data were collected in focus group discussions and by analyzing legal documents. The analysis showed a high trend of expropriation without fair and appropriate compensation as result of ignoring legal procedures of expropriation and compensation. Expropriated farmers also complained that they did not get any support from the government to use compensation money properly for further investments. Due to incomparable compensation and lack of advice, peri-urban farmers faced multi-faceted problems, such as food insecurity and social and family disintegration. The government has to enable families of expropriated households to earn suitable livelihood, which could be achieved by fair compensation and appropriate guidance.

Highlights

Nowadays, land is in short supply due to the increased number of construction projects and the expansion of infrastructure
The general objective of the current study was to assess the impacts of expropriation and compensation on the livelihood of expropriated peri-urban farmers
The specific objectives of the study are to assess the legality of expropriation and compensation procedures, to examine the impacts of expropriation and compensation on the livelihood of the expropriated farmers, and to evaluate the livelihood strategies employed by the expropriated farmers

Summary

Introduction

Land is in short supply due to the increased number of construction projects and the expansion of infrastructure. It becomes necessary to transfer a large amount of land for required project/investment operations [1]. The world is experiencing a rapid rate of urbanization, with the current rapid urban growth in developing countries [3]. Eastern Africa was the world’s least urbanized sub-region, but, currently, it is rapidly urbanizing [4]. Urbanization’s growing demand for urban land is largely met by transforming rural land on the outskirts of existing built-up areas [5]. Since the majority of people in developing countries live in highly concentrated peripheral areas, relying on agriculture with fragmented landholdings, displacement due to land expropriation is a more significant problem in developing countries than in developed countries [6]

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