‘Karuturi and government displaced locals, disrupted Gambela’
▻http://farmlandgrab.org/post/view/23435-karuturi-and-government-displaced-locals-disrupted-gambela
The company (#Karuturi Global) farming operations in Ethiopia lacked consultations and prior consent of indigenous communities. It was unprecedented rush by the government to lease arable farmland traditionally owned by the subsistent and pastoralist communities in the remote Gambela. Gambela is home for thick forest, wild lives, abundant fish species, cattle herds and fertile arable farmland. These natural resources have been a source of livelihoods for over 3,00,000 indigenous people. This action by both Ethiopian government and Karuturi Global has led to loss of livelihoods, wild life transit corridors, destruction of natural environment, bio-diversity of the region, restrictions to natural habitat for numerous wild lives, and encroachment to Gambela National Park-home for many distinct animals.
The promises of creating employment and economic improvement to the country could not be realised. Neither, farming obligations as stipulated in the contract document were met. The company could only provide seasonal employment opportunities and could not sustain the labour demand. The presence of Karuturi Global in the region has wide spread human rights abuses, serious economic difficulties and social upheaval. The farm is being guarded by Ethiopian military forces who threaten, make arbitrary arrest and detain local farmers.