Exploring the Livelihood Strategies of Somali Refugee Women in Nakivale Refugee Settlement Camp, Uganda

ABSTRACT The purpose of study guided us three main objectives. Firstly, it examined the livelihood strategies of Somali women refugees in Uganda. Secondly, it examined the role(s) played by the UNHCR, international and local NGOs, state agencies and other Community Based Organizations in providing material assistance to Somali women refugees in Uganda. Finally, it examined problems encountered by these refugee women in the pursuit of earning a living. Both purposive and cluster sampling were used. Various quantitative and qualitative instruments were used. Questionnaire was the main quantitative tool while Interviews Focus group discussions( FGDs) and direct observations were used in collecting data from the female respondents. The rationale of using only qualitative data was due to the researcher’s desire to get feelings and experiences of the respondents to enrich the quantitative data. The study found Somali refugee women as being involved in various livelihood activities, common being hair-dressing. A few respondents had formal employment. The younger women preferred labour intensive jobs, such as food vending and trading. Also, occupational combination was a common practice to ensure profitability and economic security. The respondents were found to be keen to explore various livelihood options. Hair plaiting and vending were common small business enterprises (SBEs). Furthermore, the study established a number of obstacles which include: low wages and lack of capital. Recommendations made include, the need for Aid agencies to establish credit schemes. Above all, refugees need to be repatriated once there is peace. This will ensure that their dignity is restored.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

DECLARATION (A)

DECLARATION (B) ii

APPROVAL iii

DEDICATION iv

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT V

LIST OF TABLES iX

LIST OF FIGURES x

LIST OF ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS xi

ABSTRACT xii

Chapter Page

One INTRODUCTION 1

Background of the study 1

Statement of the Problem 5

Purpose of the Study 6

Objectives 6

Research Questions 7

Hypothesis 7

Scope of the study 7

Significance of the Study 8

Operational Definitions of Key Terms 9

vi

Two LITERATURE REVIEW 10

Introduction 10

Concepts of the livelihoods frame work 10

Assets 11

Vulnerability context 13

Transforming structures processes 13

Livelihood strategies ~14

Livelihood outcomes 14

Theoretical frame work 15

Critique of the Livelihood frame work 16

Conceptual frame work 17

Explanation of Conceptual frame work 18

Three METHODOLOGY 21

Introduction 21

Research Design 21

Population and sample 21

Sample Size 22

Sampling Procedure 22

Methods of Data Collection 23

The Questionnaire survey 23

In-depth interviews 23

Focus group discussions 23

Participant Observation 24

Procedure for Data Collection 24

Techniques of Data Analysis 24

Limitations of the Study 25

vii

Four DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS 26

Introduction 26

Social Demographic Characteristics 26

Age Distribution 26

Educational Background of Respondents 28

Marital Status 30

Household characteristics 33

Livelihood Strategies 40

Food Vending 46

Institutions supporting refugees 49

Five FINDINGS, CONCLUSIONS, RECOMMENDATIONS 63

Introduction 63

Summary of the findings 63

Constraints faced in livelihoods strategies 66

Conclusions 66

Recommendations 68

REFERENCES 70

APPENDICES 76

APPENDICE A: QUESTIONNAIRE FOR SOMALI WOMEN

REFUGEES IN NAKIVALE RESETTLEMENT CAMP 76

APPENDIX B: DETERMINING SAMPLE SIZE FROM A

GIVEN POPULATION 79

APPENDIX C: CONSENT FORM 80

RESEARCHER’S CURRICULUM VITAE 81