Refugee hosting: blessing or burden? The effects of a refugee influx on the livelihoods of host communities: a case study of Palabek, Uganda
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2024-05-23
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en
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Abstract
Although refugee influxes are an all-time issue, the academic literature on the nature of the consequences an influx has on host communities’ livelihoods shows an undetermined debate. Arguments are made for both positive and negative impacts. Do the benefits outweigh the negatives, what exactly are these impacts and what is the extent of them? This research aims to explore this academic debate regarding the impacts experienced by the host communities of refugee camps in Sub-Sahara Africa. A total of 36 in-depth interviews, fieldnotes and literature review comprise the data obtained in Palabek, Uganda. The effects are measured against the conceptual framework consisting of livelihood, social cohesion, and cooperation. The results show that the refugee influx has attracted many third-party organisations: the UN, NGOs, and the government. This attraction has led to major changes in household agricultural production, safety, and access to services. However, host community members share a feeling of resentment over their societal position relating to the refugees. They feel like second-rank citizens neglected by their own government, and feel more affiliation with NGOs than the OPM, representing their government. It shows the academic debate whilst economic benefits may occur, it’s overshadowed by the feeling like second-rank citizens.
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Faculteit der Managementwetenschappen