Abstract:
This study attempts to look at the process of resettlement and its effect in the livelihoods of both
the new comers who are moved to Saasiggaa district since 1980s-2012 and the host communities
with special reference to eight resettlement sites. This thesis deals with resettlement processes
and ethnic interactions in Saasiggaa district (Aanaa) East Wallaggaa Zone with special
reference to Adaa Guddina, Madda Jaalala, Balo Baredduu, Lalisaa Bareedaa, /Biqiltu
Shonkora, Hora Waataa, Milkii Guddinaa, Handhuura Baloo and Badhaasaa Jaarsoo/Gotto
Digdamii Afur kebeles. In order to show resettlement process, typology of resettlement, ethnic
interactions the necessary data were generated both from primary and secondary sources. The
research tools employed to collect the data include interviews, personal observation and
document analysis. The collected data have been examined critically using a qualitative method
of data analysis. Due to long history of population inflows and good accessibility of Saasiggaa
district, the ethnic composition of the area was heterogeneous. Therefore, the growing
population in Saasiggaa district increased the pressure on forests and grazing lands. The re settlers and the indigenous population did not give any attention for the maintenance of the
natural environment. The magnitude of natural resource competition between the newcomers
and the host communities has resulted in more distraction on the environment. Accordingly
agricultural and settlement lands were extremely expanded in Saasiggaa district and the
ecological disaster of the area had also increased. The re-settlers have been able to improve
their standard of living that they had never achieved in their place of origin because of natural
and manmade factors. They have managed to maintain their social, religious and cultural
identity. After the resettlement program ended, influx of legal and illegal immigrants towards the
study area was not stopped. Since the government did not allow the settlers to return to their
original homeland, most of them invited their remaining relatives who were in need of support to
improve their livelihood. In other ways, the newcomers came to be friendly and established good
relationships with some members of the host communities. The findings of this study confirm that
the re-settlers have been relatively successful in adapting to the physical and social environment
of the new area. They have had access to basic socio-economic facilities like schools, potable
water, health service centers, and reasonable farmland size. They have managed to maintain
their social and cultural identities at large. They were able to secure their subsistence food
requirements.
