Resettlement and Population Interactions in East Wallaggaa Zone, Saasiggaa District, 1980s-2012

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.