Abstract:
This study examined the impacts of Ribb irrigation reservoir development project on the induced
displaced local households. It emphasized on assessing of the socio-economic challenges and
opportunities of development induced displacement on the life situation of development project
affected displaced households; compensation and rehabilitation strategies. The study employed
both qualitative and quantitative research methods and follows approximating longitudinal
survey design. The target population under study was 483 households displaced because of the
construction of Ribb irrigation reservoir from Amistya and Ziha kebelles of Ebinat woreda.
However, the study only sampled 213 PAPs by using simple random sampling to collect data
through questionnaire. Purposive sampling method was also used to select key interview
informants to collect data through in-depth interviews and focus group discussion participants.
In addition, secondary data were also collected from different sources. The data was analyzed
quantitatively and qualitatively and presented using frequencies, and percentage. Statistical
Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used in generating a summary of results. The data
obtained from the participants were transcribed and analyzed thematically. The finding indicates
that displaced households at the result of Ribb irrigation reservoir have a number of challenges
such as the existing compensation scheme is monetary based, inadequate, delayed and nontransparent.
Moreover,
delayed
and
ineffective
livelihood
rehabilitation
schemes
which
resulted
in
failures of households to rebuild their livelihoods. The study also found that the majority of
the displaced households experienced deterioration of their economic bases; landlessness,
Cattlelessnes and joblessness which resulted socio-economic marginalization after displacement.
In contrary, there are also opportunities obtained at the result of Ribb irrigation reservoir for
example, gaining of knowledge and skill, employment opportunity and fishery development. To
solve such a problems the study suggested measures to be taken such as government duty to
devise and implement comprehensive compensation and rehabilitation policy, the importance of
empowering and participating the community in decision making process, facilitating job
creation and training, building social and human capitals of displaces.
.
