Impact Assessment Analysis of Involuntary Resettlement in Rural Areas from the Perspective of Applied Economics

Abstract

"The aim of this paper is to present impact assessment analysis in rural areas from the point of view of applied economics and social anthropology. The issue of forced displacement in rural areas poses a serious threat to many areas of the globe. In recent years we are observing a renessaince of studies concerning impact assessment of rural areas, conducted inter alia, by IAIA (International Impact Assessment Association). However, we are also observing a significant lack of books, journal articles and papers devoted to the impact assessment mechanisms in rural regions. Impact assessment analysis (including environmental impact assessment nowadays becomes a crucial part of many decisions concerning development projects in rural areas as well as relocation of affected people. According to many definitions Impact Assessments Policy (IAs) are formal, evidence-based procedures that assess the economic, social, and environmental effects of public policy. The principles of impact assessmenet have been incorporated into policy making in the European Commission and Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development OECD countries and the. Key types of impact assessments include global assessments (global level), policy impact assessment (policy level), strategic environmental assessment (programme and plan level), and environmental impact assessment (project level). Impact assessments can focus on specific themes, such as social impact assessment and gender impact assessments. The aim of this article is to present the mechanisms of impact assessement of involuntary resettlement in rural areas from the point of view of applied economics and social anthropology. Involuntary resettlement is a causes of serious risks in the sphere of human security, stability, family relations, socio-economic ties and human rights. The main negative consequences of development-induced displacement and resettlement include joblessness, homelessness, marginalization, malnutrition, health problems and progressive social impoverishment. In this article I will draw attention to the most common elements observed during resettlement in rural areas. Displacement in rural areas has a lot elements in common with the issue of land grabbing, forced land acquisition and lack of access to common property resources. All of the above-mentioned issues are important causes of marginalization and impoverishment of displaced people."