The Impact of Large-Scale Coffee Plantation on the Livelihoods of Local Households in Limmu Kossa District

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.