Adaptive livelihood strategies of evicted peri-urban farmers in the newly metropolitan city of Ethiopia

Urban expansion has exposed peri-urban farmers to adapt new livelihood strategies in Ethiopia. Thus, the main purpose of the study was exploring the adaptive livelihood strategies of evicted peri-urban farmers around the metropolis city of Debre Markos, Ethiopia. To realize this, a qualitative research approach with phenomenological design has been employed. Accordingly, in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews were used to collect data through semi-structured interview guidelines. Data were analysed through thematic and narrative methods. The research findings confirmed that rural farmers who reside around the city are prone to hand over their land with insufficient compensation. Thus, farmers have been compelled to adapt to a new way of life after losing their farmlands. Consequently, evicted farmers are relying on non-farm and on-farm economic activities as livelihood strategies. Accordingly, farmers in the surrounding areas of the metropolitan city of Debre Markos have engaged diversified economic activities based on their potential and preferences. After they lost their farmland, many youths have commenced small businesses, including hair salons, cafés and restaurants, urban agricultural activities, government and private companies as guardians, and animal fattening. However, many displaced peri-urban farmers have experienced bankruptcy from their new business without having business skills to handle customers. In addition, the study finding confirmed that aged peri-urban displaced farmers have confronted challenges to adapt to a new way of life; as a result, they are prone to adverse effects. Moreover, the government did not give due attention to peri-urban households by training them in technical and financial management and business plans for startup evicted farmers. Therefore, the study provides empirical evidence for government to design pertinent policies that give trainings for business startups beyond mere financial compensation, and offer attention to evicted elderly peoples.