Development-Induced Displacement and Resettlement

Development projects often involve the introduction of direct control by a developer over land previously occupied by another group. Natural resource extraction, urban renewal or development programs, industrial parks, and infrastructure projects (such as highways, bridges, irrigation canals, and dams) all require land, often in large quantity. One common consequence of such projects is the upheaval and displacement of communities. While the literature on development-induced displacement and resettlement (DIDR) is clear in its focus on physical development projects that require land expropriation, these are not the only types of projects that can result in displacement. Conservation programs, such as wildlife re-introduction schemes and the creation of game parks and bio-diversity zones, also often oust communities. Issues surrounding conservation-induced displacement are dealt with in another FMO thematic research guide. Other types of policies can also induce migration. For example, a distributive policy decision that shifts jobs between two regions might cause some people to move in search of new employment. However, the literature on DIDR does not consider these types of policies. The focus is clearly on physical forms of development that require displacement by decree.

 

This research guide is not meant to provide a comprehensive treatment of the topic of DIDR. Rather, it offers an overview of some of the most important issues in the area. A sizeable number of electronic and print references are included; however, countless more were not included due to space limitations. The twenty-four-page Selected Bibliography on Displacement Caused by Development Projects prepared by Sánchez-Garzoli in 2003, which is available online, is a good resource for those in search of more references.