Abstract:
Displaced people due to development projects face many socio-cultural and economic
challenges. Assessment on displaced persons due to the Dire Dawa City Administration`s Sabian
Redevelopment Project was conducted to assess the socio-cultural effects of DID on the
displaced households, to assess the economic effects of DID on the displaced households and to
assess the coping strategies practiced by displaced households. The study employed a mixed
method approach using census-based survey, key informant interviews, FGDs and desk review of
relevant published documents to collect primary and secondary data. Descriptive analysis was
used to describe the extent of the socio-cultural and economic effects of DID.
The study findings show that the displaced people`s social ties were weakened, their
neighborhood and social networks disrupted due to the displacement and they struggled with
accessing basic social services. The displaced HHs were pushed into economic hardship. Loss of
employments and income greatly affected their ability to meet basic needs and they lacked
assistance to restore their livelihoods and economic wellbeing.
Ther study recommended measures to be undertaken by government and other stakeholders such
as consent and participation of project affected communities in decisions concerning them, raise
awareness on the rights, obligations, opportunities and challenges of DID, encourage displaced
people to get involved in activities that can help them re-establish social networks and continue
practicing their cultural traditions at their new settlement area, working on rebuilding economic
condition and restore the livelihood of displaced persons as well as conducting further studies on
the long-term effects of DID.
