The Impact of Large-Scale Development Projects on the Kumpal Agaw Minority

Abstract

Ethiopia was hailed as one of the fast-growing countries from 2004
to 2015. Under the Growth and Transformation Plan I (GTP I),
which ran from 2009/2010 to 2014/2015, the country launched a
transformative development plan. Subsequently, many state-owned
mega-projects were designed with the aim to improve the country’s
economy and improve peoples’ lives. However, the livelihood of
local communities that hosted these projects has been disrupted. The
Kumpal of northwest Ethiopia are one of the minority groups that
hosted large-scale development projects intervention, three sugar
development projects under GTP I. The Kumpal have experienced
disruption in their livelihood, without benefiting much from the
employment opportunities created by the projects due to the lack of
educated manpower qualifying for the positions. They also benefited
less from compensations, both in cash and in land, for being displaced
from their places of residence. The implementation of the projects was
also incompatible to the host community’s socio-cultural institutions
and values. Despite favourable constitutional provisions for the right
to development of disadvantaged ethnic communities and the state’s
obligation to support them, development planners have overlooked
the effects of large-scale development sugar projects on the host
Kumpal community. The article recommends similar future projects
should consider socio-economic consequences on local communities.
The sugar development projects, yet under construction after having
been delayed due to corruption, should also work on re-strengthening
the Kumpal livelihood and support the community to continue as a
viable group