Land-Grabbing and Villagization in Ethiopia's Lowlands and Beyond
Dr. Fana Gebresenbet discusses the issues of land grabbing and villagization in the Gambella region of Ethiopia.
Overview
In recent history, Ethiopia has experimented with new modes of governance to adapt to the changing nature of Ethiopian economy, politics and power. Particularly controversial among these changes is the debate around ‘land grabbing’ and ‘villagization’ of the country’s lowlands. Lack of transparency, little prior consultation, and the questionable fashion in which most deals are made between governments and foreign investors has reinforced already existing conceptions of the process and reduced the likelihood that local people perceive such investments in a positive light. Fana Gebresenbet Erda and Michael Kugelman will discuss the phenomenon of ‘land grabbing’ in the context of Ethiopia, and what is forecasted for this trend going forward. Africa Program Director Monde Muyangwa will moderate this event.
A light lunch will be served.
For more insights from Fana Erda, please visit our program blog, Africa Up Close!
Photo Credit: AJ Leon via Flickr.
Speakers
Hosted By
Africa Program
The Africa Program works to address the most critical issues facing Africa and US-Africa relations, build mutually beneficial US-Africa relations, and enhance knowledge and understanding about Africa in the United States. The Program achieves its mission through in-depth research and analyses, public discussion, working groups, and briefings that bring together policymakers, practitioners, and subject matter experts to analyze and offer practical options for tackling key challenges in Africa and in US-Africa relations. Read more
Indo-Pacific Program
The Indo-Pacific Program promotes policy debate and intellectual discussions on US interests in the Asia-Pacific as well as political, economic, security, and social issues relating to the world’s most populous and economically dynamic region. Read more
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