Farmers’ Perception on Development Induced Farmland Expropriation in Ethiopia: A Review

Abstract

Expropriation of farmland is one of the major options for many countries to meet the demands of emerging developments taking place in the urban-rural interface. This is commonly practiced without the consent of the farmers on a non-discriminatory basis in compliance with the law by compensation. In Ethiopia, the status of displaced farmers by expropriation of farmlands due to the expansion of towns and development projects, their perception on expropriation and compensation laws, participation in the valuation process and compensations are not clear and needs to be articulated. From this review, it is clear that none of the expropriate felt proud of the government's plan of farmland expropriation; but they supported the establishment of development-induced projects; and that they don't know about the laws and regulations of farmland expropriation and compensation in Ethiopia. Expropriates deeply felt bad that their farmland was expropriated without involving them in decision-making. Ten years annual income won't adequately compensate the loss of all the rights. Hence, open ventilation to understand the priority of the people and reviewing the prevailing expropriation and compensation laws will enable the government and to make a smooth environment for the project's undertaking. Farmers should have equal rights for participation within the expropriation process i.e. must be told, consulted, involved, and empowered to form such decisions.