Development-induced displacement

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Development-induced displacement is the forcing of communities and individuals out of their homes, often also their homelands, for the purposes of economic development. It is a subset of forced migration. It has been historically associated with the construction of dams for hydroelectric power and irrigation purposes but also appears due to many other activities, such as mining and the creation of military installations, airports, industries, weapons testing grounds, railways, road development sanctuaries etc. Development-induced displacement is a social problem affecting multiple levels of human organization, from tribal and village communities to well developed urban areas.

Development-induced displacement or the forced migration in the name of development is affecting more and more people as the countries move from developing to developed nations. The people that face such migration are often helpless, suppressed by the power and laws of nations.

The lack of rehabilitation policies for migrants means that they are often compensated only monetarily--without proper mechanisms for addressing their grievances nor political support to attend to improving their livlihoods.

Displaced people internalize a sense of helplessness and powerlessness because of their encounter with the powerful external world. In every category, particularly among the disadvantaged sections, women are the worst hit and pay the highest price of development. A study carried out by the national commission for women in India (NCW) on the impact of displacement on women reveals that violence against women are increased, alcoholism are the direct outcome of development induced displacement in India. And an increase in alcoholism due to displacement had led to a market rise in domestic violence. Displacement made men feel helpless and turned women and children into scapegoats. Displacement also leads to deterioration in health and high mortality rates. The nutrition and health of women which is lower than that of men even under normal circumstances is bound to go down in the event of an overall decrease in the health status caused by displacement.

[edit] Modern examples

Three Gorges Dam in China - about 1.13 million displaced (recently increased to 4 million, but many could return).
Tokuyama Dam in Japan - some 600 displaced.
Donji Milanovac for Đerdap hydroelectric power plant

[edit] See also

Economic migrants (not to be confused with "development-induced displacement", as the cause of their migration is not necessarily "development", but is to the contrary likely caused by the absence of development)