The Social Effect of Development-Induced Displacement on Community Structures and Individual Well-being: Evidence from East Wallaga Zone, Ethiopia

Authors

Keywords:

Development-Induced Displacement, East Wallaga Zone, Household Welfare, Social Effect

Abstract

Development ventures in East Wallaga Zone such as industrial park, sugar factory, Airport, road construction etc. adversely affected the community structure and household wellbeing. This study aims to investigate how community structures and personal well-being are affected socially by displacement brought on by development. Limited empirical research has examined the social effects of development-induced displacement in East Wallaga Zone. The study employed qualitative approach, exploratory types of research as a study design. Non-probability sampling is the methods through which the researcher met participants of the study. 25 informants selected as participants of the study through purposive and snow ball sampling .Thematic data analysis employed as data analysis method. FGD, Key informants, observation and in-depth interview utilized as the tools of data collection. The finding of the study indicated that the prevalence of negative social effects among the population being studied. The observed patterns highlight the need for integrated, culturally sensitive interventions that address both social and economic dimensions of displacement. Recognizing the intertwined nature of community structures and individual well-being is essential for designing effective policies that promote resilience and social cohesion in displaced populations. While development is important, it must be people-centered rather than project-centered.

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Author Biographies

Kassahun Ayele, Wollega University

Ph.D Candidate at Department of Public Administration & Development Management, College of Business & Economics, Wollega University, Nekemte, Ethiopia

Semeneh Bessie

Associate Professor of Economics at D iData Technology Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Getachew Mangar

Assistant Professor of Economics at Department of Economics, College of Business and Economics,

Wollega University, Nekemte, Ethiopia

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Published

2026-09-25

How to Cite

Ayele, K., Bessie, S., & Mangar, G. (2026). The Social Effect of Development-Induced Displacement on Community Structures and Individual Well-being: Evidence from East Wallaga Zone, Ethiopia. Journal of Social Science and Humanities, 2(2), 12–28. Retrieved from https://journals.wgu.edu.et/index.php/sshr/article/view/2323