Social exclusion and conflict in Benishangul Gumuz: Impact on economies and livelihoods

Abstract

The objective of this article is to elucidate the sequential effects of social exclusion-induced conflict and internal displacement in the Metekel Zone of Benishangul Gumuz Regional State. The study employed mixed methods with an exploratory sequential design. Qualitative tools were used initially, followed by quantitative data from 16 key informant interviews and 60 focus group discussions. Survey tools were then utilized for the quantitative method, employing probability sampling to select 359 households. Data from secondary sources were also relied upon. The study revealed that social exclusion has resulted in heightened conflict, displacement of people, loss of livelihoods including crops, land, livestock, houses, household materials, and human life. The scale and intensity of the conflict have escalated to violent levels, resulting in the destruction, and burning of 11,822 houses in the Metekel Zone, including 873 housing units belonging to the study participants, on average two housing units per household. The loss of housing units for survey responders amounted to ETB 29,261,704.63. Households lost agricultural produce worth ETB 45,910,369.82, agricultural tools worth ETB 406,535.55, household utensils, and livestock worth ETB 46,790,399.51. The average material loss combined for the study participants was ETB 122,369,009.50. In terms of household per capita income loss, the Metekel Zone lost $68,328,865.30 based on the 2020 number of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs). Above all, the conflict has claimed 979 human lives. The practice of social exclusion has intensified conflict, increased internal displacement, affected agricultural production and livestock, and led to the loss of human lives. Therefore, promoting social inclusion should be prioritized to foster a cohesive society through intrahousehold relationships, inter-group interactions and trust-building, and regaining trust in institutions in the Metekel Zone of Benishangul Gumuz Region.