PACES Industrial Parks in Ethiopia

Background

This dataset is one of the key components of the PACES project, which aimed to understand how people decide to migrate, stay (or return for migrants). In particular, PACES sought to understand how people perceive major changes in society, how they understand their past-present and future, and how these factors influence their aspirations to stay or migrate. Purpose The data capture people's perceptions of their current place of residence, what they expect in the future, both in society and in their personal lives, how they see migration and their own mobility preferences.

This dataset gathers evidence on how industrial parks in Ethiopia are providing employment for vulnerable workers, including refugees and displaced populations, particularly young women. This research component sought to understand the role of industrial parks in people's lives. Data Collection and

Methods

The data were collected through semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, site observation and a participatory graphic elicitation exercise. Fieldwork was carried out in May 2024 in Bole Lemi and Adama, and a second round of interviews was conducted in Adama in October 2025. Interview material was collected in Amharic, Oromo, Sidama, English, French and Juba Arabic; transcripts and translations are in English.

Research Limitations The limited number of interviews makes this dataset not representative, and access to the parks was mediated by gatekeepers, which may have shaped who was available to speak. Interviews were therefore conducted away from workplace and dormitory settings wherever possible. The interviews are nonetheless in-depth and give participants the opportunity to highlight what is important in their lives.

Data Structure and Relationships Between Files Individual transcripts and notes of the interviews and group discussions, together with field notes, photographs of the sites and the drawings produced during the graphic elicitation exercise. Value of the data for potential reuse This dataset has value as it records people's perspectives on life and work in these industrial parks at a moment of turbulence and high uncertainty in Ethiopia's history.

In addition to migration scholars, scholars of Ethiopia may be interested in these records. Results At the moment, these data have been used for one report and one article, neither of them published yet. Conclusion This dataset has important value but its in-depth nature makes it difficult to anonymise the data without losing meaning.

For this reason, this dataset is closed access. Access status : Closed Access Data availability : The dataset is not accessible. The repository record provides metadata only about the dataset.