SOCIO-CULTURAL AND ECONOMIC EFFECTS OF DEVELOPMENT- INDUCED DISPLACEMENT: THE CASE OF DISPLACED HOUSEHOLDS OF THE SABIAN REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT IN DIRE DAWA, ETHIOPIA

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