INFLUENCE OF RESETTLEMENT ON PASTORAL LAND USE AND LOCAL LIVELIHOODS IN SOUTHWEST ETHIOPIA

This study was conducted in southwest Ethiopia with the aim of understanding the influence of resettlement on pastoral land use. Data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire and focus group discussion. Respondents in non-resettled kebele reported that livestock keeping was the main source of their livelihoods. Our results showed that resettlement accelerated crop cultivation and contributed to shifts in land use due to the expansion of crop farming. Respondents mentioned that the condition of grazing resources and livestock economy were adversely affected. The community further claimed that ownership right and changes in resource use were additional deriving forces of conflict over resources. It was also indicated that the deteriorating condition of rangelands linked to resettlement greatly undermined local livelihoods and land tenure security. Recognizing the livelihood strategy of pastoral communalities and tenure security could improve sustainable use of natural resources and conservation of biodiversity. We suggest active participation of the local community to minimize the negative impacts of resettlement on the host community, while implementing resettlement as a strategy to secure food self sufficiency. A robust understanding in planning and implementation of resettlement is needed in consolidating concerns of the host community for minimizing conflict and securing land tenure