Paper details

Paper authors	Fiseha Moreda
In panel on	Aligning Large Scale Development Programs with Community Resilience
Paper presenter(s) will be presenting	In-Person / Online

Abstract

The study examines the effects of dam-induced massive displacement on the Dassenech pastoralists' livelihoods. For the purpose of obtaining detailed information, a focus group discussion and key informant interviews were conducted with Dassenech communities and government representatives. The data were analyzed using thematic framework analysis. Dam-induced displacement was seen as the most significant challenge affecting the livelihood of Dassenech communities, with loss of rangeland, the prevalence of zoonotic diseases, and fodder shortages. The displacement posed a threat to one's health, security, and livelihood. In addition, the communities had to travel long distances to find suitable grazing areas for their most giant livestock herd. On the other hand, the communities were forced to resettle in a cluster, which resulted in livestock loss, pervasive livestock disease, and resource conflict with other neighboring groups such as Hammer and Nyangatom. According to the study, the Gibe III hydropower dam project induced floods that primarily reduced rangeland and resulted in displacement as an ecological disruption. Most of the suitable grazing ranges were destroyed, resulting in livestock reduction and a food crisis for humans and animals. The lack of responsive IDP protection, combined with the lack of a bottom-up resilience mechanism, has increased the community's vulnerability. For the most part, the victims were unable to access sufficient grazing land and were forced to settle in a confined cluster with the government and NGOs providing fodder for their livestock. The resettlement in a cluster and the provision of fodder help to transform the Dassenech community. However, due to their large livestock population, inconsistent provision, and livestock-dependent livelihood system, they lack a voice to express their perspectives and concerns about displacement, the loss of grazing lands, and other issues that affect their livelihood and ecology. To drive all-encompassing development, the paper recommended that pastoralists and policymakers must engage in a collaborative, dynamic dialogue.

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