Abstract:
The main purpose of this study was to assess the perception of development induced displaced
local farmers on the impact of Tana Beles Sugar Factory; in the case of Jawi Woreda ,Awi zone
Amhara National Regional State. It emphasized the perception of displaced local farmers on
socio-economic and psychological impacts of Tana Beles Sugar factory. To attain this objective,
this study employed descriptive research design and mixed approach. The study was able to
gather the required information with the help of both primary and secondary sources of data.
The indispensable data were collected by using key informant interview, questionnaire, FGD,
observation, and document analysis. In terms of sampling technique, this study used random
sampling to select the sample population. The obtained data were analyzed and interpreted with
the help of SPSS software, frequency and percentage. On the other hand, data were described in
terms of words and statement in qualitative approach. The finding indicates that displaced
farmers perceived that the establishment of Tana Beles Sugar factory results many challenges
like loss of farmland, grazing land, cattle’s and other assets and this results decline in
productivity, food insecurity and socio economic marginalization. In addition to the above the
factory results psychological impact on displaced farmers like lack of motivation and anxiety. In
contrary to the listed problems displaced farmers believed that Tana Beles Sugar factory
provides different social services including electricity, access to transport and health service.
Finally to solve problems that displaced local farmers faced the study suggested different
measures to be taken by different stakeholders. Among these measurements the first one is that
the government needs to held consultation programs effectively (affected farmers need to take
part in decision making process) and compensation estimation committee should be free from
bias and corrupt practices .Secondly the government should offer compensation for all hectares
of their farmland and other assets. This will help displaced farmers to rehabilitate permanently
and this will diminish the level of social and economical risks that displaced farmers
encountered.
