This research is concerned with refugees and their impact on the host community. In refugee hosting areas, the local communities face various economic, social and cultural challenges as they interact with refugees. This study specifically investigated the socio-economic impact of refugees from Tongogara Refugee Camp on the host community of Chipinge District, Zimbabwe.
A qualitative approach was used to conduct the research and the researcher used focus group discussions, interview guides and questionnaires. Since the research was qualitative, the researcher obtained data from key informants and the units of analysis included the refugees who are mostly involved in business, the host population who interacts with the refugees, the local authorities, UNHCR and other representatives of Organizations working in the Camp. The research established that despite the Zimbabwe Government’s encampment policy, the refugees were free to interact with the local communities and to trade in the District. The research found that there were both positive and negative social and economic impacts associated with the presence of the Tongogara Refugee Camp. Some of the positive impacts included infrastructure development, provision of transport services and creation of market places for both the locals and refugees. Negative impacts included deforestation, theft, social ills like prostitution and alcohol abuse.
The study also found that there was a good social relationship between the refugees and the host community on the whole. However, competition for common property resources proved to be a key source of tension between the two groups. The researcher gathered that the Government of Zimbabwe and other local authorities had to revisit some of their policies as well as to support both the refugees and the locals for them to fully utilize the economic and social benefits that the presence of refugees bring and also mitigating the negative impacts that they also bring. This can be done by integrating the refugees into the formal employment working system, providing working permits for the refugees so that they can freely work, extend projects to the host communities which are specifically for them and also to provide financial assistance to refugees so that they can engage in income generating projects that sustain them.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Abstract
- Acknowledgements
- Dedication
- List of Abbreviations and Acronyms
- Chapter 1: Introduction
- Background of the Study
- Statement of the Problem
- Research Questions
- Objectives of the Study
- Significance of the Study
- Scope and Limitations of the Study
- Methodology
- Chapter 2: Literature Review
- Chapter 3: Presentation and Analysis of Data
- Chapter 4: Discussion of Findings
- Chapter 5: Conclusion and Recommendations
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This research investigates the socio-economic impact of refugees from Tongogara Refugee Camp on the host community in Chipinge District, Zimbabwe. The study aims to understand the complex interplay between refugees and the local population, identifying both positive and negative consequences of refugee presence. A qualitative approach utilizing focus group discussions, interviews, and questionnaires was employed to gather data from various stakeholders, including refugees, the host community, local authorities, and international organizations.
- The socio-economic impact of refugees on the host community.
- Positive and negative impacts of refugee presence (e.g., infrastructure development vs. resource competition).
- Social relations and potential tensions between refugees and the host community.
- Government policies and their effectiveness in managing refugee integration.
- Recommendations for improving the integration process and mitigating negative impacts.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
Chapter 1: Introduction: This chapter sets the stage for the research by providing background information on the study, outlining the problem of refugee impact on host communities, and stating the research questions and objectives. It details the significance of understanding this complex relationship and clarifies the scope and limitations of the study. The methodology employed, a qualitative approach using focus groups, interviews, and questionnaires, is also explained. The chapter establishes the context for the subsequent investigation into the socio-economic effects of refugees from Tongogara Camp on Chipinge District.
Chapter 2: Literature Review: This chapter would delve into existing research and theories related to refugee impacts on host communities, exploring various models and frameworks for understanding refugee integration and the challenges faced by both refugees and host populations. It would likely discuss concepts such as resource competition, social cohesion, and the role of government policies and international organizations in managing refugee situations. This review would provide a theoretical foundation for the current study and help to situate the findings within a broader academic context. The literature review would also contextualize the specific situation in Zimbabwe and the Tongogara Refugee Camp, highlighting relevant case studies and research from similar contexts.
Chapter 3: Presentation and Analysis of Data: This chapter would present the qualitative data collected through focus group discussions, interviews, and questionnaires. It would systematically present the findings from each data source, categorized by themes and issues related to the socio-economic impact of refugees on the host community. The analysis would likely involve identifying patterns, contradictions, and nuanced perspectives from different stakeholders (refugees, host community members, local authorities, and international organizations). This chapter would meticulously demonstrate the data collected and form the basis for the interpretations and discussions presented in the subsequent chapter.
Chapter 4: Discussion of Findings: This chapter would interpret and discuss the findings presented in Chapter 3, relating them to the research questions and the theoretical framework established in the literature review. The discussion would synthesize the data to highlight key patterns and relationships, explaining the complex interplay between positive and negative socio-economic impacts of the refugee presence. It would analyze the social dynamics between refugees and the host community, identifying factors contributing to positive relationships and potential sources of conflict. The discussion would critically assess the role of government policies and the efforts of international organizations in managing the situation.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
Refugees, socio-economic impact, host community, Tongogara Refugee Camp, Chipinge District, Zimbabwe, qualitative research, integration, resource competition, social relations, government policies, UNHCR.
Frequently Asked Questions: Socio-Economic Impact of Refugees from Tongogara Refugee Camp
What is the main topic of this research?
This research investigates the socio-economic impact of refugees from Tongogara Refugee Camp on the host community in Chipinge District, Zimbabwe. It aims to understand the complex relationship between refugees and the local population, identifying both positive and negative consequences of refugee presence.
What methodology was used in this study?
The study employed a qualitative approach using focus group discussions, interviews, and questionnaires to gather data from various stakeholders, including refugees, the host community, local authorities, and international organizations.
What are the key themes explored in this research?
Key themes include the socio-economic impact of refugees on the host community; positive and negative impacts of refugee presence (e.g., infrastructure development vs. resource competition); social relations and potential tensions between refugees and the host community; government policies and their effectiveness in managing refugee integration; and recommendations for improving the integration process and mitigating negative impacts.
What are the key chapters and their content?
Chapter 1: Introduction sets the context, research questions, objectives, and methodology. Chapter 2: Literature Review explores existing research on refugee impacts. Chapter 3: Presentation and Analysis of Data presents and analyzes the qualitative data collected. Chapter 4: Discussion of Findings interprets the findings, relating them to the research questions and literature review. Chapter 5: Conclusion and Recommendations summarizes the key findings and provides recommendations.
What are the key findings (in summary)?
The detailed findings are presented in Chapters 3 and 4. However, the study aims to identify the complex interplay between positive and negative socio-economic impacts of refugee presence, analyzing social dynamics and the role of government policies and international organizations.
What type of data was collected?
Qualitative data was collected through focus group discussions, interviews, and questionnaires.
Who were the participants in the study?
Participants included refugees, members of the host community, local authorities, and representatives from international organizations.
What are the keywords associated with this research?
Refugees, socio-economic impact, host community, Tongogara Refugee Camp, Chipinge District, Zimbabwe, qualitative research, integration, resource competition, social relations, government policies, UNHCR.
What is the overall goal of this research?
The overall goal is to contribute to a better understanding of the socio-economic impact of refugees on host communities, informing policies and interventions aimed at improving refugee integration and mitigating negative impacts.
- Quote paper
- Terence Madzimure (Author), 2018, Socio-Economic Impact of Refugees on Host Communites. The Case of Tongogara Refugee Camp in Chipinge District, Zimbabwe, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/509327
