Development-Induced Internal Displacement: A Sustainable Livelihoods Framework Perspective

This paper develops an approach for analysing livelihoods among development-induced IDPs using the sustainable livelihoods framework.

Published on July 14, 2022

Robson Mandishekwa | genida, IDPs, Internal migration, Development-driven, Development

India. Women protesting dam building in Gunjari village. 2007 © International Rivers

Migration has been argued to enhance livelihoods in various ways thereby being a livelihood strategy. However, displacement is not likely to yield such benefits but instead increases vulnerability by decapitalising displaced people. This study brings into perspective the need to analyse livelihoods among development-induced displaced persons using the sustainable livelihoods framework. The study proposes a framework of analysis within the sustainable livelihoods framework context to attain this objective. Results show that while development projects aim to improve lives, they seldom do so to the internally displaced persons. Also, results show that internal displacement may result in a vicious cycle of migrations again leading to decapitalisation and vulnerabilities. Thus, while Cernea’s model remains a very useful tool of analysis in development-induced displacement, it leaves a lot to be desired. The perspective from the livelihoods framework, thus, complements this model well such that authorities need to work together with development agencies to analyse likely consequences of proposed development-induced displacements using the sustainable livelihoods framework.

Dr Robson Mandishekwa is a senior lecturer, with more than 15 years of university teaching experience, in the Economic Sciences Department at Midlands State University, Zimbabwe. He obtained his PhD in Economics in 2020 from the same University. His research interests are internal displacement and economics of happiness.

Download RID Working Paper No. 27

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