Abstract:
The general objective of the study was to assess the dynamics of farm land disputes in Quaritewereda, Amhara Regional State. The data for this study was obtained through qualitative method with case study design. Thematic approach has followed to analyze the data collected using key informant interview and focus groups discussions. The study explored the main forms of farm land conflicts such as farm land inheritance, ownership and boundary disputes which have commonly manifested in the study area. Accordingly, family members and relatives, the rich and the poor; the incapables and the minority and finally neighbors were actors who have involved in the farm land disputes respectively. These forms of farm land disputes were emerged in different periods in relation to land reforms. Prior to 1997, boundary trespass was the major manifestation. After 1997 onwards, land inheritance and land ownership disputes have emerged as a new form of farm land disputes in the study area. In spite of others, after 2006 land inheritance disputes have continued as the sole manifestation because of the constraints of land inheritance law in the proclamation. The major causes that contributed forthese forms of farm land disputes were population growth, land scarcity,unemployment, absence of clear boundary delineation, greedy and selfishness, undocumented land redistribution, faults of land registration, institutional constraints, legal and policy constraints, lack of awareness,the principle ofadoption and polygamy. Consequently, farm land disputes have its own consequences such as economic loss of the individuals and the state and social disruption among family members and relatives and the community at large. Thus, it is imperative to revise and harmonize land administration laws if not changing some faultily legislated articles.