Losing the plot: environmental problems and livelihood strife in developing rural Ethiopia-Suri agropastoralism vs. state resource use

This is a study of how a local agropastoral society in Southwest Ethiopia conceptualizes and experiences changing 'resource use' and environmental problems in a time of state-imposed agrarian development schemes. Local space and livelihoods of local groups in the Omo River valley are under stress due to a far-reaching process of state-induced political–economic change that diminishes local environmental stability and biodiversity. A familiar process of mono-crop plantation agriculture and resettlement by state-sponsored agents and enterprises is set in motion since the early 2000s. Local group ethnic groups—both agropastoralists and peasants—are under pressure due to shrinking resource availability, influx of tens of thousands on newcomers and stronger state presence, including in military form. Local peoples, among which the Suri agropastoralists will stand central here, seek new opportunities to connect, both to local and national arenas of power, but are so far no successful in this. The 'political ecology' approach followed here reveals state economic and political expansion leading to subversion of environmental impoverishment, local livelihoods, and a de-emphasizing of ethnic and civic group rights.