Impact of Development-Induced Displacement on Female Headed Households in Inner City Slum Areas of Addis Ababa: The Case of Sheraton Addis Expansion Project
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2007-02
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Development–induced displacements dismantle stable life of a community and if not carried out properly result in involuntary resettlements. Involuntary resettlements usually adversely affect the most vulnerable and marginalized groups in a society. The main focus of this study is to identify the potential impact of development-induced displacement on female-headed households based on a case study in inner city slum areas in Addis. In general as the literature shows involuntary resettlements result in further impoverishments or deteriorations of the livelihood of the poor and vulnerable groups, among them female-headed households are the most affected. The issue of displacement especially in urban areas in Ethiopia is a recent phenomenon and the gender aspects of it have not been adequately discussed in past studies. This paper shows that the effects of displacement as revealed in the case study are also similar to that of other countries as stated in the literature. The paper also highlights some of the gender issues in relation to urban development-induced displacements and resettlements in Addis. The research is based on in-depth interview with purposely selected fifteen female household heads and a sample survey on 102 (51 female and 51 male) households purposely selected slum area designated for Sheraton Addis Expansion Project (the former Woreda 14 kebele 21, 22&25 in ‘Arada’ and ‘Kirkos’ sub cities). It examines the livelihoods of slum dwellers in general and female-headed households in particular. The findings indicate that illiteracy rates among women are higher compared to their male counterparts. Most female household heads are engaged in home based income-generating activities and their incomes are less compared to their male counterparts. Mutual support groups have high priorities among the poor in slum areas and especially women value and depend more on these organizations. Analyses of conditions of houses also show that female-headed households occupy poor quality houses. Displacements, which can be regarded as shocks to their livelihoods further, aggravate their conditions. Female-headed households, which have dual responsibilities due to their gender roles as care taker of the household and income earner, lose their site related socio-economic advantages after relocation. They are not able to continue their existing engagements in the new resettlement site and they also incur additional transport costs to reach working place or to access basic services. Resettlement at different sites or to the outskirts of the city also result in loss of their mutual support groups and affects women’s safety and constrains their mobility which in turn limit their participation in economic activity. At present, however, no proper preparation and implementation tools are there on the part of the city government. Though there are policy guidelines, rules and regulations regarding women both at national and regional level they are not adequately incorporated in the city government’s plans, strategy and programs. IDevelopment–induced displacements dismantle stable life of a community and if not carried out properly result in involuntary resettlements. Involuntary resettlements usually adversely affect the most vulnerable and marginalized groups in a society. The main focus of this study is to identify the potential impact of development-induced displacement on female-headed households based on a case study in inner city slum areas in Addis. In general as the literature shows involuntary resettlements result in further impoverishments or deteriorations of the livelihood of the poor and vulnerable groups, among them female-headed households are the most affected. The issue of displacement especially in urban areas in Ethiopia is a recent phenomenon and the gender aspects of it have not been adequately discussed in past studies. This paper shows that the effects of displacement as revealed in the case study are also similar to that of other countries as stated in the literature. The paper also highlights some of the gender issues in relation to urban development-induced displacements and resettlements in Addis. The research is based on in-depth interview with purposely selected fifteen female household heads and a sample survey on 102 (51 female and 51 male) households purposely selected slum area designated for Sheraton Addis Expansion Project (the former Woreda 14 kebele 21, 22&25 in ‘Arada’ and ‘Kirkos’ sub cities). It examines the livelihoods of slum dwellers in general and female-headed households in particular. The findings indicate that illiteracy rates among women are higher compared to their male counterparts. Most female household heads are engaged in home based income-generating activities and their incomes are less compared to their male counterparts. Mutual support groups have high priorities among the poor in slum areas and especially women value and depend more on these organizations. Analyses of conditions of houses also show that female-headed households occupy poor quality houses. Displacements, which can be regarded as shocks to their livelihoods further, aggravate their conditions. Female-headed households, which have dual responsibilities due to their gender roles as care taker of the household and income earner, lose their site related socio-economic advantages after relocation. They are not able to continue their existing engagements in the new resettlement site and they also incur additional transport costs to reach working place or to access basic services. Resettlement at different sites or to the outskirts of the city also result in loss of their mutual support groups and affects women’s safety and constrains their mobility which in turn limit their participation in economic activity. At present, however, no proper preparation and implementation tools are there on the part of the city government. Though there are policy guidelines, rules and regulations regarding women both at national and regional level they are not adequately incorporated in the city government’s plans, strategy and programs. Implementation strategies do not consider interests, needs and capabilities of female-headed households, as they do not get voice in urban representation and in urban planning and implementations. In general the issue of gender has not been properly mainstreamed in each sector programs.mplementation strategies do not consider interests, needs and capabilities of female-headed households, as they do not get voice in urban representation and in urban planning and implementations. In general the issue of gender has not been properly mainstreamed in each sector programs.The process of displacement and resettlement, which does not consider the needs and interests of women and implemented in line with gender neutral strategies and guidelines do not bring about sustainable development. Therefore there is a need for a concerted effort on the part of all concerned to ameliorate the negative consequences of development-induced displacements on vulnerable groups such as female-headed households
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Gender Studies