Impact of Urban Expansion and Forced Eviction on Livelihood Security of Peri-Urban Farming Households in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Abstract

This research provides a comprehensive analysis of the impacts of urban expansion on the livelihoods of farmers in peri-urban villages around Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The study employs a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative analysis through logistic regression and indices and qualitative insights from focus group discussions and interviews. It examines demographic characteristics, the extent of land expropriation, and various factors influencing the sustainable livelihood security (SLS) of evicted and non-evicted households. The study reveals that the evicted households are approximately 92.3% less likely to achieve sustainable livelihood security compared to non-evicted households, underscoring the severe consequences of displacement. Eviction significantly reduces the odds of being economically secure by 72.7%, demonstrating the long-term economic impacts of forced eviction. A dramatic decline in food security is observed among evicted households, with only 8.07% remaining food secure post-eviction compared to 80.27% pre-eviction. Evicted households experience decreased ability to eat enough food throughout the year, reduced variety and adequacy of food, fewer meals per day, and limited access to healthy and nutritious food. Recurrent themes from the interviews include insufficient compensation for lost land and livelihoods, highlighting the need for fair, comprehensive and intergenerational compensation mechanisms. The study reveals a significant erosion of trust in government authorities among evicted communities, potentially hindering future development initiatives. These findings emphasise the urgent need for robust land tenure policies, fair compensation mechanisms, and comprehensive support programs to mitigate the adverse effects of urban expansion. The study underscores the importance of a more inclusive and equitable development model that respects the rights and dignity of affected communities, ensuring their livelihoods are sustained amidst urban growth. The study advocates for tripartite development model using Peri-urban Farmers-Public-Private Partnerships (PuFPPP), encouraging the participation of Peri-urban Farmers and the private sector in Peri-urban development projects. The development of partnership models that benefit businesses and local communities must be emphasised. By identifying significant predictors of household livelihood security and highlighting the struggles faced by evicted households, this research provides valuable insights for policymakers and urban planners in developing sustainable urban expansion strategies that balance urban growth with the preservation of agricultural livelihoods and community well-being.