Size, Distribution, and Practices of Large-Scale Agricultural Investment in Ethiopia: Past and Present

Abstract

The main aim of this study is to systematically analyze the size, distribution, and practices of large-scale agricultural investment (LSAI) in Ethiopia between the 1950s and 2000s. This period coincides with the Ethiopian modern regimes of Emperor Haile Selassie I, Derg, and the Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF). This article is based on both primary and secondary data obtained from various sources and complemented by data collected through interviews. Particularly, a systematic review of the pertinent literature was carried out to understand the issue at hand. LSAI was founded and grew in size and number during the Imperial regime, but they were crushed by the successor government, which followed a socialist development model. However, such investment was invigorated by the EPRDF regime, got a new identity, and became an integral component of its economic development policies and strategies. Lowland areas occupied by pastoralists and agropastoralists have been the focus of the three regimes. Even if LSAI is significantly increased in terms of number, size, type, and distribution, especially during the EPRDF era, its benefit to the country and local people has been an area of debate and empirical investigation. Provided that there is a growing pressure on the land and livelihood systems of the local people, serious attention should be given by all development actors to the issue of LSAI.