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Abstract
This research explores the socio-economic impact and long-lasting consequences of Explosive Ordnance (EO) contamination in post-conflict Tigray, Ethiopia, examining how humanitarian mine action (HMA) and broader humanitarian and development interventions can facilitate recovery and transition from aid dependency to sustainable opportunities. Drawing from firsthand testimonies collected through fieldwork, this study highlights the enduring hardships faced by local communities, including impediments to safe return for internally displaced persons (IDPs), persistent threats to agricultural productivity, disrupted education, collapsed healthcare systems, and severe risks faced by vulnerable populations such as children, women, and persons with disabilities.
Through qualitative data gathered via key informant interviews (KIIs) and focus group discussions (FGDs), the paper identifies critical intervention points and emphasizes the urgent need for comprehensive mine action responses, including clearance, Explosive Ordnance Risk Education (EORE), and Victim Assistance (VA). The testimonies underscore the complex interdependencies between mine action and other humanitarian and developmental interventions, highlighting the necessity of multi-sectoral and inclusive approaches to recovery and development efforts.
The study’s findings significantly contribute to understanding the multifaceted nature of post-conflict recovery, advocating for integrated humanitarian and development interventions that address immediate safety concerns while simultaneously fostering sustainable economic, social, and infrastructural rebuilding in Tigray. This research thereby serves as a valuable resource for policymakers, humanitarian actors, and development stakeholders engaged in conflict-affected regions.