Effects of Resettlement Schemes on the Biophysical and Human Environments: the Case of the Gambela Region, Ethiopia

This book focuses on the effects of resettlement schemes on the environment. The chapters of the book include: Theories, typologies and processes of settlement, resettlement and resettlement schemes in Africa and other countries; Effects of the 1960s, 70s and 80s resettlement schemes on the overall bio-physical and human environments and brief presentation on the ongoing resettlement programme in Ethiopia; Effects of the resettlements on the soil resources, water, vegetation, land-use and farming systems, fires, health and wildlife in Gambela Region. Most of the resettlement projects were designed on the basis of political motives, short-sighted economic gains in mind, and were not integrated to other development programmes. As a result, they have aggravated land-use and ethnic conflicts, environmental degradation, food insecurity and poverty. It can be reversed through environmental knowledge, regional integration, effective land-use planning, and conservation-based sustainable utilisation of the natural resources.