RETRACTED] Land Redistribution Policy in Amhara National Regional State: The Case of Basoliben Woreda, East Gojjam Zone, North-Western Ethiopia

Abstract

Abstract Land redistribution is the deliberate act of governments to handle the problems of social inequality and poverty. The objective of this study was to assess the 1996 land redistribution policy of Amhara National Regional State (ANRS) in terms of its process of implementation, the criteria used and the socio-economic effects of the policy, specifically in Basoliben woreda farmers. Employing a qualitative descriptive case study design, primary sources of data were collected through key informant interviews and focus group discussion (FGD) whereas secondary data was gathered from different documents. Both cross-case analysis and document analysis were used to analyze the collected data. The findings of the study implied that the redistribution policy in ANRS has resulted in both positive and negative effects on the socio-economic life of farmers. Among the positive effects, landless, women and marginalized sections of the society like artisans got access to land. The negative effects include political allegiance used as the mere criteria to allocate land, the reprisal rationale of the regional government to undertake the policy, implementation problems like lack of transparency, land corruption and lack of monitoring and evaluation systems which further resulted in inequality which needs to be addressed.