“Exploring the Lived Experience of Displaced Farmers due to Urban Expansion in Sheger City: A Case of Furi Sub-City Administration‟

Abstract

Nowadays urban expansion in Ethiopia is very fast with its high rate of engulfing the nearby farmers‟ land which has brought displacement to the existing farming community, deteriorate their livelihood and create the sociocultural and psychological desperation to the victims. The researcher conducted seventeen (17) intensive individual interview, two group discussions and field observations. The objective of this study was exploring the lived experiences of farmers exposed to displacement due to urban expansion to their land in Sheger city in case of Furi sub city administration. The study underpinned by phenomenological paradigm with qualitative research approach in which the in-depth interview and focus group discussion as well as observation were the tools used in collecting the data. Non-probability sampling in which snow ball sampling was preferably applied to trace the targeted population and thematic analysis to identify themes was undertaken. Confidentiality and the willingness as well as the consent of the participants were carefully considered during data collection. The study revealed that displacement has helped only a few portion of the affected community in desirable way that had been better in their standard of living, financial standing, and capacity before displacement, but majority of victims (displaced people) with complex socioeconomic, cultural, environmental, and psychological damage, which has been unfavorable to the afflicted people. The study found that displaced people failed to regain the same social networks and structures that had existed before the phenomena notably (Daboo,Hibbo,Waldaa Fira and others). All these impact to the displaced was not only the displacement impact but also the complex administration problems severely mistreat the displaced people and lead them marginalized in all aspects beyond economy. The displaced are living in poor locality with infrastructure, public services, financial accessibility services and water and electric utility hat is found to be harsh life despite conceived as urban.