DIFFERENTIAL REESTABLISHMENT OF VOLUNTARY AND INVOLUNTARY MOGRANTS: THE CASE OF METEKEL SETTLERS IN ETHIOPIA

Abstract

Voluntary and involuntary resettlements are distinguished on the bases of the decision-making power of migrants, their willingness to leave their original residence, the presence of push/pull factors, and the age make-up of relocatees. The distinction addresses the conditions and behaviors of potential migrants prior to their relocation. However, much remained unknown about the conduct of voluntary and involuntary settlers during the critical period of reestablishment in the new environment. In 1998/99, the mid-1980s settlers in the Metekel resettlement area, Western Ethiopia, were studied with the objective to investigate, compare, and contrast their adaptation experiences. Certain economic indicators believed to reflect successful reestablishment were used for the comparison. Despite the fact that the resettlement authorities treated all settlers alike, most voluntary migrants appeared materially better off than most involuntary settlers. These differential readjustment experiences thus suggest that the manner of resettlement may determine the pace and degree of successful reestablishment. Policymakers and resettlement planners should, therefore, recognize that the disruptive effects of forced displacement could be deep-rooted, far-reaching, and enduring.