Socio-economic impacts of development-induced displacement on informal households in Qalacha Khamdan, Kabul City, Afghanistan

Abstract

Development-Induced Displacement projects mostly targeted informal settlements especially slum area and squatter area which left behind many socioeconomic impacts on displacement households after relocation. Thus, these forced displacement has caused to break living patterns, socio-economy, social networks, increase infectious diseases, and other health sever problems. Many development projects such as dam projects, airports, and different types of road projects have been implemented since 2001 in Afghanistan. Wazir Akbar Khan (Qalae- Musa) was the first road-development project in Kabul city which has had several socio-economic impacts on displaced households. In addition, another road extension project which connected Kabul city with southern provinces has implemented which destroyed the socioeconomic situation of the forcibly displaced families in Qalacha Khamdan area. Therefore, this research aim to identify the socio-economic impacts of Development-Induced Displacement on informal settlement in Qalacha Khamdan area. For collecting the relevant data the researcher has conducted two site visits and has chosen 20 respondents for questionnaire survey and 30 respondents for interview from the displaced population. Most of the interview participants were heads of families and members of several committees. The collected data has been analysed qualitatively and quantitatively. Finding shows that displaced population have faced with many socio-economic impacts after displacement. They have lost their social cohesion, social tie, lost businesses, lost land as well as houses. Acquisition and compensation processes weren’t transparent and they didn’t receive their legal rights dues on time. In addition, many coping strategies were applied by displaced families to tackle the socio-economic impacts. The most effective coping strategy was taking loan from private banks which has helped them to restart their destroyed business after displacement. Finally, this research suggests top-down approach regarding to socioeconomic aspects which can be supported with displaced households to cope with socio-economic impacts of Development-Induced Displacement. This research is essential for both government and residents of informal settlements in Afghanistan for awareness as well as enhancing knowledge during implementation of Development- Induced Displacement project.