Abstract:
The main purpose of this study was to assess The Impact of Large-Scale Coffee Plantation on the
Livelihoods of Local Households in Limmu Kossa District, Oromia. The necessary data for the
study were generated both from primary and secondary sources. Hence, in-depth interviews,
key-informant interviews, focus group discussions (FGDs,) and survey method as well as
document review were means of generating data from primary and secondary sources
respectively. Totally, one hundred sixteen (116) respondents were selected for the purpose of
data collection from the study population by using simple random and purposive sampling
techniques. The local communities' role and participation was non-existent in the process of land
deals and local customary use patterns and rights never been recognized by the government
while identifying suitable land for investors. The land allocated to investors have been
considered as vacant in the eyes of government officials, the arrival of investors resulted in a
change on holding and use patterns of cultivated land and other land based resources such as
forest areas, grazing, water sources and pools, roads and transit routes by the local
communities. It has resulted in economic, social, cultural and spiritual impoverishments among
the local small holders. The impacts for the resettle communities emanate from their eviction
from their cultivable lands and water sources, while the local communities suffered from the
destructions on forest areas and grazing lands critical to their livelihood. The problematic
nature of land deal and implementations of large-scale coffee plantation again influenced the
nature of relationships among local communities, local government and investors. So, that it is
better if the governmental officials are working on how to create a good relationship among the
investors, smallholder farmers and government.
