Examining the Impact of Urban Expansion on the Peripheral Agricultural Communities of Dessie City, Amhara Region, Ethiopia

The rapid urbanization process in many developing countries, including Ethiopia, has had significant impacts on peripheral agricultural communities. Dessie City, located in Ethiopia, serves as an example of this phenomenon. This study aims to assess the impacts of urbanization on peripheral agricultural communities in Dessie City. The researchers employed a mixed-methods approach, utilizing household surveys, participatory group discussions, key informant interviews, and direct observations to gather both quantitative and qualitative data. The findings revealed that the land acquisition procedures implemented by the city administration often lacked adequate participation and consultation with the affected farming households, leading to farmer resistance. The compensation provided to the displaced farmers was perceived as insufficient to support their livelihoods. Furthermore, the promised benefits, such as job training and relocation support, were not fully realized, resulting in job insecurity, lack of financial management knowledge, and difficulties in adapting to urban lifestyles. Additionally, the study found a reduction in permanent vegetation cover, contributing to environmental degradation and increased pollution in the area. The study recommends several strategies to address these challenges. These include raising awareness of the existing rules and regulations governing expropriation and compensation, considering the preferences of affected households in the composition of compensation, and providing pre- and postrelocation training and support to enable the farming community to sustain their livelihoods in the face of rapid urbanization.