SOCIO-ECONOMIC EFFECTS OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING: THE CASE OF META WOREDA, EAST HARARGHE ZONE, OROMIA REGIONAL STATE, ETHIOPIA

Abstract

Human trafficking remains a prime global concern due to its multifaceted causes and horrible consequences continue to be experienced by millions of people. The main focus of this study was to assess the Socio-economic effects of human trafficking by examining experience of abuse faced by Ethiopian trafficked and returned from Arab countries. Both primary and secondary data sources were used including questionnaires, in-depth interview and focus group discussions and field observations. The tools used to gather the primary data were questionnaires, In-depth interview and FGDs. A total of 150 respondents were selected for survey questionnaire by applying purposive sampling technique. Moreover, five (5) and twelve (12) were selected purposively for in-depth interview and FGDs respectively. Findings of the study showed, lack of job opportunities, family economic crises, limited income, shortage of farm land and lack of access to social services as push factors of human trafficking in the study areas. On other hand, demand for domestic workers and cheap uncompensated labor were cited as major pulls risk factors that drove returnees towards trafficking. The study also showed human trafficking was associated with poor health, social and economic outcomes for returnees in Meta woreda. This was because of different factors related to illegal trafficking route, unaccomplished trafficking goal, harsh treatment and abusive working condition in destination country, poor interpersonal relationship with family due inabilities to fulfill resource and financial expectation, lack of sufficient capital and material resource for their successful reintegration at the place of origin .Thus recommended local government should pay attention to increase awareness of the community through extensive and continues information campaign concerning the threats and effects of human trafficking on health, social structure of the community and economies. It is important for future research studies to systematically and comprehensively assess socio-cultural factors and intervention to address risk together with resilience to promote survivor recovery.