INVESTIGATING THE IMPACT OF TANA BELES SUGAR FACTORY ON DEVELOPMENT INDUCED DISPLACED LOCAL FARMERS IN AMHARA NATIONAL REGIONAL STATE: THE CASE OF JAWI WOREDA

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.