Livelihoods in Ura Settlement

1. Most working-age refugees engage in self and wage employment opportunities through agricultural works and off farming services.

2. Microfinance institutions provide financial services for refugees and host communities to support entrepreneurship and the development of marketplaces.

3. All refugee farmers and host community farmers have access to agricultural land for crop cultivation and animal husbandry. Year-long agriculture production is made possible through the establishment of an irrigation system that enables the cultivation of high-value, drought-resistant crops.

4. Agricultural productivity of the land is improved through the introduction of modern farming techniques and technologies. Such results can be achieved through training programs on efficient water management, crop rotation, organic farming, and climate-smart agriculture, providing access to improved seeds, fertilizers, and farming equipment.

5. Refugees join farming cooperatives and access shared agricultural resources, improving access to inputs, technology, and markets. By forming cooperatives, farmers can pool resources, share knowledge, and collectively invest in infrastructure such as storage facilities and processing units. This approach can enhance productivity, reduce costs, and increase bargaining power in the market.

6. Refugees are included in the extension service package provided by the Woreda Bureau of Agriculture and Resource Center. This package include access to improved seeds, training and enrollment in the Farmers Training Centers.

7. Development and humanitarian partners support private sector actors and the Regional Bureaus (Agriculture, Job and Skills, Land and Cooperatives/Enterprises) to create a sustainable, inclusive environment where refugees and host communities can thrive together through shared resources and economic opportunities.

Ethiopia has recently enhanced the employment rights of refugees and asylum seekers through the enactment of Directive No. 1019/2024, titled Directive to Implement Recognized Refugees' and Asylum Seekers' Right to Work. This directive, issued on August 14, 2024, operationalizes the provisions of the Refugees Proclamation No. 1110/2019, which granted refugees the right to engage in gainful employment under conditions similar to those afforded to foreign nationals.

In December 2023, the Government of Ethiopia made a pledge at the Global Refugee Forum to facilitate refugee access to irrigable land of refugees through lease arrangements and promotion of climate-smart agriculture and livestock value chain.

The Regional Government of Benishangul-Gumuz is committed to expanding opportunities for Sudanese refugees to pursue in productive agricultural livelihoods to improve access to food and enhance economic inclusion, as well as engage in off farming services. It has indicated its willingness to allocate an additional 200 hectares of irrigable land around Ura settlement.

Key agricultural policy frameworks: Ethiopia's agricultural policy is designed to support the country's predominantly agrarian economy, which employs about 70-80% of the population and contributes significantly to GDP. The policy framework has evolved over time, with a focus on improving productivity, ensuring food security, promoting sustainable practices, and supporting rural development (Homegrown Economic Reform Plan 2019, Climate-Resilient Green Economy Strategy, Support for Smallholder Farmers).

The Ura settlement and surrounding areas have around 1,500 hectares of arable land, which enhances agricultural productivity for both refugees and the host community by providing ample space for crop cultivation and livestock rearing. Each household in the host community is allocated about 2 hectares of land, which supports mixed agriculture and livestock keeping. Refugee households are currently allocated 120 square meters primarily for shelter, with ongoing discussions to allocate about 200 hectares for agricultural use by both communities. The availability of arable land provides a significant opportunity for agricultural activities, but productivity is limited due to traditional farming methods and limited use of productivity-enhancing technologies.

Given that Ura Town is located just 2.5 km away from Ura settlement, there is no immediate requirement to establish a large market within the new settlement or between it and the host community. However, to adequately serve the local population, it is essential to provide a Gulit (local produce market) and an open market.

The Gulits will require a space of approximately 0.25 hectares, serving a catchment area of 0.5 to 1 km, and is expected to cater to a population of around 5,000 people. This means there is the potential to have five to six Gulits within the settlement, which can be strategically distributed throughout the settlement, thereby minimizing the distance residents need to travel for basic goods and services. Additionally, at least one larger Gulit should be positioned along the border with the host community to facilitate interaction and trade. The proximity of markets will foster social cohesion between refugees and host community members, as shared marketplaces encourage interaction and mutual support. Additional considerations include locating the markets in areas with appropriate slopes (between 1-5%) and away from noise-sensitive land, and adequate provisions for parking animals and animal-drawn carts to enhance the markets’ accessibility.

• Provision of agricultural land by the Regional Government to refugees and host community to support joint farming ventures.

• Number of refugees engaged in productive sectors such as agricultural works and small businesses.

• Number of market centers/Gulits strengthened

• Number of refugees who join agricultural cooperatives in Akuda kebele

• Number of refugees have access to financial services, including the opening of a bank account.

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Investments are needed to expand agricultural land and resources, develop vocational training programs, enhance water management systems, improve infrastructure such as roads and market facilities, and support small-scale industries and cooperatives. These additional investments are crucial for fostering sustainable development and improving the livelihoods of both refugees and host communities.

Agricultural value chain investments are key both in software and hardware components. Agricultural farmland development through land clearance and tractor-powered tillage operations. Agricultural mechanization supports are required such as tractors, harvesters and implements.

The Woreda Bureau of Agriculture needs capacity building to deliver a complete extension support package.

Farmstead structures such as a warehouse facility and cooperative offices are essentials services. The cooperative can further be supported with agricultural trailers to transport goods. Dry season intervention through irrigation is crucial for vegetable productions. Irrigation schemes need to be developed along with solarized water pumping systems.