The Challenges and Prospects of the Post 1991 Resetelement Program in The Quest For Food Security: The Case of Kenaf Site, Western Oromia Region
No Thumbnail Available
Date
2005-06
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Addis Ababa University
Abstract
This thesis attempts to take a closer look at the challenges and prospects of the current
(year 2003) resettlement practice in Kenaf site, East Wallaga Zone of Oromia Regional
State. It explores the resettlement process, not necessarily the impacts of the practice. It
assesses the challenges all from the points of views of the settler community, the host
community, and the physical environment. Besides, it explores the prospect of the
program as a food Security Strategy. Multiple research methods including case study
and survey methods were utilized in the research.
TIle thesis argues that the resettlement program is with double objectives. Its overt
objective is to enable the chronically food insecure households attain food security
through improved access to land (FORE, 2003:5). Implicitly also, it is an attempt to
enhance the long incepted Rural Development option of the government, i.e., to enhance
the development of Growth-Centers in 'underutilized and sparsely populated' areas of
the counh-y including in Kenaf.
Whatever its overt and covert motives, the program is characterized by InducedVolunteerism,
no consultation of the host community, inconsistencies in planning, poor
targeting and identification of the settlers, and poor administration. Conflict than
integration has also characterized the interaction between the settlers and the host
commwlity. Hence, the thesis argues the following. From point of view of the settler
community, the program has narrowed than diversifying their liveliliood strategies,
which is a threat under the prevailing insecure physical and economic environments in
the country. From the point of view of the host commwlity, the program is synonymous
with Displacement. As a Food Security Strategy, risks than opporhmities have
characterized the resettlement site.
Description
Keywords
Challenges and Prospects