Intra-regional Resettlement and Inter-ethnic Relations: The Case of Amhara Resettlers and the Indigenous Kulsi People in Jawi Woreda, North Western Ethiopia
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Date
2011-06
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AAU
Abstract
Th e major obj ective of this thesis was to examine the process of intra-regional resetrlement
program and its challenges in Jawi resettlement site of Amhara Regional State. The resetrlemenl
program in th e study area was launched with the objective of enabling chronically food insecure
people attain food security. To realize the stated objectives and not to repeat the failure of the
past resettlement programs in Ethiopia, four major pillars that include voluntarism, availability
of underutilized land, consultation with the host communities, and assurance of minimum
infrastructure were used. This thesis, therefore, examines th e process of intra-regiollal
resettlement against the pillars of the program and in tum explores major challenges of [h e
resettlemellt from the points of view of resettler population, host communities, and the local
environment. Besides, it explores the subsequent impacts of the resettlement program 011 the
narure of inter-ethnic relations between resettlers and host community. Throughout the research
srlldy period, both primary and secondary data sources were used. Some of techniques for
primary data collection include systematic observation, structured and semi-strllctured
illr erviews, focus group discussion, and extended case study. Secondary data were also obtained
from extensive cogitatioll of literatures.
Th e research finding argues that the intra-regional resettlement program, which is launched by
the current government in Jawi Woreda, is for the most part not different from the past regime's
resettlement undertakings. This is because the resettlement program is characterized by induced volunteerislll, no consultation of the host community, illconsistencies in planning, poor targetillg
and identification of the settlers, and poor administrariol7. Th e study also argues that, the intra regianal resettlement program in the study area has resulred in an ominolls impact on the
physical environment and natural resource consen ·ation of the host community. Likewise, th e
resettlement scheme is intra-regional mainly because of the only reason that both the resettled
and th e host people are from the same regional terrirory (Amhara Regional State). Nevertheless,
ir can be rather conceived as inter-regional for reselflern ent is made across ethno-cultllral and
agro-ecological boundaries. On top of this, the th esis reveals that the nature of resettlers-host
inreractions in the resettlement setting is characterized b,· both amicable and conjlictllal
relations. Th e amicable aspects are manifested in the form of land renting arrangements, local
market exchange, religious occasions and other socio-cultural ties. On the other hand,
confiictual relations are often caused by competition over natural resources (such as, grazing
land, forests, water), violation of rule of relationships notably in land renting agreements,
bllrning of beehives, cattle rustling, and constant injlux of 'illegal ' settlers to the area.