Impact of Urbanization on Farmers’ Livelihood Transformation In Peri-Urban Areas: The Case of Koye Feche Condominium, Addis Ababa
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Date
2025-05-01
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Urban development in Sub-Saharan African cities, notably in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, is witnessing rapid expansion. In response to urban poverty and the need for increased homeownership among low- and middle-income residents, the City Administration initiated a large-scale housing development project in 2005, primarily situated on the city's periphery. These areas were previously inhabited by local farmers, whose livelihoods centered on agriculture. Following the housing development, these farmers were displaced and compensated with condominium houses, significantly altering their way of life. The study delves into the repercussions of urban expansion on the peripheral community livelihood within the Koye Feche condominium. Employing both quantitative and qualitative methodologies, primary data collection methods involved in-depth interviews with key informants, survey questionnaires, and focus group discussions. A total of 201 farmers and three government officers contributed to the data collection process. Findings indicate that the expropriation of agricultural land for the integrated housing development program led to a profound transformation in housing and livelihoods. The study meticulously examines four parameters: environmental, spatial, social, and economic sustainability. It found both positive and negative impacts on the farmers' lifestyles. On the positive side, the housing development program has elicited notable advancements in environmental sustainability, better security, augmented access to healthcare services, improved transportation infrastructure, expanded employment opportunities, increased availability of religious amenities, elevated income levels, enhanced quality of life, better access to clean water sources, enriched educational opportunities, revitalized market dynamics, and optimized energy utilization. Specifically, 78% of respondents reported improved access to potable water, 65% cited better healthcare access, and 52% acknowledged income growth. However, there are negative repercussions, including the loss of agrarian lifestyles, incongruities between condominium housing and traditional farming practices, financial challenges associated with new housing, reduced food self-sufficiency, psychological stress, and dissatisfaction with new living conditions reported by 63% of respondents. Despite challenges, farmers and their families have demonstrated resilience by implementing coping mechanisms such as informal trading, urban agriculture, and diversification of income sources to uphold social values and address economic and environmental concerns. The study recommends that future urban expansion policies prioritize inclusive planning, context-sensitive compensation, and sustainable livelihood restoration strategies tailored to displaced farming communities to ensure long-term resilience and equitable development.
Keywords: expropriation, Integrated Housing Development Program, peri-urban, livelihood sustainability, housing, resilience