Management of Refugees and Socio-Economic Development in Kigoma Region Northwestern Tanzania
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Date
2023-09-11
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Uganda Christian University
Abstract
The study examines the impact of the presence of refugees on the socioeconomic development in
the host communities in Kigoma region, Northwestern Tanzania. The study was motivated by the
increased visible conflicts between the host population and refugees in Kigoma region regarding
whether they are an asset or burden to the socioeconomic sphere of the state. Consequently, the
study was conducted in Kasulu district that hosts the largest refugee camp in the region; hence its
population bearing the testimonies of the effects of hosting refugees for a long period in their
communities. Specifically, the study sought to examine the effect of the refugees’ influx on social
service delivery to the host communities; analyze the economic benefits and losses because of the
refugee settlements or camps in host communities; and assess the role of Government and
International Organizations/Non-Governmental Organizations intervention in mitigating the
effects of refugees in host communities. The cross-sectional research design was observed
alongside the mixed methods approach that was applied on a sample of 132 respondents. The study
findings draw a conclusion that the local people have benefited by the provision of social services
because of the coming of the refugees; the social services sector is the sector which has benefited
more from the presence of refugees. The sector, especially the condition of health facilities and the
level of services improved with the arrival of the refugees. The health sector received substantial
investment which contributed to the construction of several hospitals and clinics that were easily
accessible in terms of distance and time by the residents in the community. Moreover, the social
economic benefits or losses due to the arrival of refugees in the host communities were mixed.
Refugee-related insecurity led locals to evacuate their homes and confiscated valuable property
from local communities. On the other hand, the presence of refugees increased marketing and
business prospects, as well as financial output. While refugees also supplied inexpensive labor,
refugee activities gave locals job chances. The Government of Tanzania and its international relief
counterparts have been on the frontline in ensuring the societies affected by the influx of refugees
have been rejuvenated and continuously being rehabilitated in terms of resources and
infrastructure. The study recommended the need for emergency preparedness in refugee-torn areas
in line with appropriate institutional frameworks and laws that will be conducive to maximize the
benefits of the refugees so that they can be more of an asset than a burden to the socioeconomic
development of the local and state economy in general.
Description
Masters dissertation.