Land and Its Meanings in Displacement: Interpreting Lived Realities through Transrational Peace

Abstract

Development-induced displacement is a growing challenge in Ethiopia, disrupting livelihoods, social structures, and economic stability. The article adopts a transrational peace perspective, which views conflict as a dysfunction in flow of human relations rather than a mere dispute between identifiable actors. Displacement as a form of social disruption creates relational imbalances and therefore a conflict. Transrational peace philosophy builds on elicitive conflict transformation approach that emphasizes transformative, multidimensional and participatory approach to conflict. The main objective is to explore the meaning of land to displaced people. Elicitive Conflict Mapping was used, which is a tool that offers a way of visualization of conflict into array of themes, which are Justice, Harmony, Security and Truth to track dysfunctional relations in a conflict and give meaning to underlying patterns, emotions and narratives that shape a conflict. This article examines the Sabean Land Redevelopment Project in Dire Dawa, where 147 households were displaced under an urban redevelopment scheme. Using phenomenological approach, data was collected through in-depth interviews, and qualitative content analysis was conducted incorporating Elicitive Conflict Mapping themes; harmony, justice, security, and truth. Findings reveal justice is the dominant theme, implying that land is not just a physical asset but foundation of economic security, fairness and dignity for displaced people. The findings on themes of security and harmony suggest that land provides an anchor for stability and a foundation for community cohesion. The findings suggest justice-centered interventions, including participatory decision-making, livelihood restoration and reconciliation mechanisms.