Forced Displacement and Coping Mechanisms Among the Displaced Groups in Malakal Protection of Civilian’s Site In South Sudan

ABSTRACT This study sought to analyze the coping mechanisms among the displaced groups in Malakal Protection of Civilians Site in South Sudan, The study was guided by four objectives which included; to identify the living conditions bf displaced groups; to assess the challenges experienced by the displaced groups; to establish the coping mechanisms adopted by displaced groups; and to assess the physical, emotional and socio-economic effects of forced displacement among the displaced groups in Malakal PoC. Through a descriptive survey research design and by utilizing a sample of 379 respondents; self-administered questionnaires, key informant interviews and focus group discussions, demographic characteristics and key emerging results were identified. The study found out that the living conditions for displaced groups are poor. Majority of respondents in the study perceived living conditions as deplorable with poor shelter (73.8%), limited space and poor sanitation (66.2%), insufficient food (65%). Majority of respondents cited violence (physical and sexual), lack of livelihood, lack of quality education, war, killings, restricted movement, fear, stress, unemployment, poor feeding, poor shelter and poor water supply as challenges faced by displaced persons in Malakal PoC. To cope, the study found out that while some displaced groups were adopting to positive coping through social and religious engagements, others were coping through disengagement, denial and substance abuse. Majority of respondents believed that forced displacement has significantly affected the lives of displaced persons physically, emotionally, socially and economically. Based on the study findings, critical decisions and actions are required from the local community, national government, humanitarian actors including the UN and the donor community to promote positive resilience among displaced groups in the UN protection of civilians’ sites.

 TABLE OF CONTENTS

DECLARATION

APPROVAL

DEDICATION iii

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

LIST OF ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS ix

ABSTRACT x

CHAPTER ONE 1

INTRODUCTION 1

1.0 Introduction 1

1.1 Background of the Study 1

1.1.1 Historical Perspective 1

1.1.2 Theoretical Perspective

1.1.3 Conceptual Perspective 7

1.1.4 Contextual Perspective 8

1.2 Statement of the Problem 10

1.3 Purpose of the Study 11

1.4 Objectives of the Study 11

1.5 Research Questions 11

1.6 Scope of the Study 11

1.6.1 Geographical Scope 11

1.6.3 Time scope 12

1.7 Significance of the Study 12

1.8 Conceptual Framework 13

1.9 Operational definitions of key terms 13

CHAPTER TWO 15

LITERATURE REVIEW is

2.0 Introduction 15

2.1 A Theoretical Review 15

2.2 Review of Related Studies 17

2.2.1 Living conditions of Displaced Groups 17

2.2.2. Challenges Experienced by the Displaced Groups 19

2.2.3 Coping Mechanisms among the Displaced Groups 20

2.2.4 Effects of Forced Displacement among the Displaced Groups 22

2.3 Gaps in the Literature Review 24

CHAPTER THREE 26

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 26

3.0 Introduction 26

3.1 Research paradigm and design 26

3.2 Study Population 26

3.3 Sample size and Sampling techniques 27

3.4 Data collection methods 29

3.5 Data collection tools 29

3.6 Data Management and Analysis 30

3,7. Validity of instruments 30

3.8 Reliability of instruments 31

3.9. Data Collection Procedure 32

3.10. Ethical considerations 32

CHAPTER FOUR 34

DATA PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND INTEF~PRETATION 34

4.0 Introduction 34

4.1 Demographic Characteristics of Respondents 34

CHAPTER FiVE 50

DISCUSSION, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS 50

5.0 Introduction 50

REFERENCES 59

APPENDIX I; A KEY INFORMANT IXTERVIEW GUIDE 63

APPENDIX 11-QUESTIONNAIRE FOR DISPLACED PERSONS 65

SECTION A: DEMOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICSOF RESPONDENTS 65

SECTION B: CHALLENGES EXPERIENCED BY THE DISPLACED GROUPS 66

SECTION D: EFFECTS OF FORCED DISPLACEMENT AMONG DISPLACED GROUPS 68

SECTION E: WAYS OF ADDRESSR’~G THE CHALLENGES OF DISPLACED PERSONS 69

APPENDIX Ill-A FOCUS GROUP DISCUSSION GUfDE 71

APPENDIX TV-RELIABILITY COMPUTATIONS 72

APPENDIX V: KREJCIE AND MORGAN (1970) TABLE FOR SAMPLE DETERMINATION 73