URBAN EXPANSION AND ITS EFFECTS ON THE LIVELIHOOD OF PERI-URBAN FARMERS: EVIDENCES FROM SEBETA TOWN

Abstract

Ethiopian is characterized by fast population growing and this resulted in unplanned urban expansion towards peri-urban areas. The Ethiopian urban population was 11.4% by 1984 whereas increased 13.6% in 1994 and 16% by 2007. By 2050, the urban centers of Ethiopian will reach 42%. The mentioned population growth indicated expansion in urban areas but shrinking in rural land. To accommodate the ever-increasing of population, cities have been expanding horizontally towards peri-urban areas. In the case of Oromia Region, the share of urban inhabitants account for 11.3% by 2007 census. The population of Sebeta town has increased from 49,331 (2007) to 256,868 by 2015/16; an increment of about 86.93%. Therefore, investigating effects of urban encroachment on the livening standards of peri-urban farmers is the central issue of the paper. This study employed quantitative and qualitative methods. It used primary data gathered from focus group discussion, Key Informant Interview and 150 household respondents. Interviews were conducted with knowledgeable village leaders. The secondary data were collected from Sebeta. In the paper, descriptive, economic and livelihood data analysis method were employed. Urbanization has resulted in positive and negative effects. From the positive side, it improved access to better social services and infrastructures. Landholders displaced due to urbanization were paid compensation. 9.4% of them have exhausted for investment, and thus their livelihoods have been well improved. But 90.6% of them spent on consumption good. The livelihoods of this group are identified as challenging. Most of them are left jobless; and experiencing low standard of livelihood. Majority of the farmers were not benefited from rehabilitation strategies set by the government. Compensation is expected to be faire to reimburse the value of lost properties. But the study revealed that the payment is mainly unjust in amount and takes long period. 79.4% of the expropriated farmers were paid from 9 months to 2 years.