The Socio-Cultural Impacts of Tana Beles Sugar Project Induced Displacement of Kulisi Agaw Community of Jawi

Abstract

The major objective of this study was to investigate the socio-cultural dimensions of Tana Beles Integrated Sugar Project (TBISP) induced displacement of Kulisi community in Amhara Regional State (AMRS). The study underpinned by a constructivist paradigm used a qualitative case study with specific data collection techniques such as an in-depth interview, FGD, observation and key informant interview and document review. The study employed purposive participant selection technique and thematic analysis to identify the themes. The participants of this study were key informants fromJawi district administration anTBISP and Kulisi community members displaced .Precautions were taken to keep the confidentiality and anonymity, and right not to be harmed and exploited. For the purpose of assuring the trustworthiness of the data member checking, peer reviewing, and within method triangulation were employed. The finding of this study showed that TBISP induced displacement has brought both positive and negative consequences but the downsides outweigh the upsides. The major impacts include a harmonious social relationship between Kulisi and Amhara in the residence area, persistent discordance with Amhara and Gumuz community in the farm place, inter-household and intra-familial emotional detachment, poor social service, weakening of cultural identity, morality challenges and gender based violence. The finding also demonstrated that the displacement process was high-handedly implemented and indigenous factors were overlooked and there were no an integrated reconstruction efforts. Finally, it has been indicated that this study has numerous implication to social work education, research, policy and practice.