Implications of Urban Development-Induced Resettlement on Poor Households in Addis Ababa

Abstract

This article examines the outcomes of recent slum resettlement projects on the socio-economic well-being of the relocated people in Addis Ababa. Drawing on qualitative methods involving observation, in-depth interviews and focus group discussions, the paper examines the benefits and challenges of urban development projects on the lives of poor relocated households. The empirical findings demonstrate that although relocated household benefited in terms of an improved quality of new houses, the city upgrading projects have negatively affected these families. Differential quality of housing and increasing costs of rent, income loss, changing schools for children, health problems and loss of savings were experienced. The study concludes that urban redevelopment and resettlement plans need to include the implications of relocation on the lives and livelihood opportunities of poor households.