Socio-Demographic Characteristics and Livelihood Strategies of Eritrean Refugees in Ethiopia: The Case of Shimelba Refugee Camp, Tigrey Region
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Date
2010-07
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
No continent is immune to the problem of moss displacement, either within or across state
borders. In contrast to most migrants, all forcibly displaced persons around the world have
little opportunities for expanding livelihoods, and are usually faced with realities that
refilte them a dignified life and fitlfillment of their capability. Despite the fact that in many
cases access to the local labor market and Feedom of movement is restricted, and most
camp refugees depend on the distribution offood rations and other goods as a main means
of survival, many have developed alternative livelihood strategies. However, this study was
limited to Eritrean Refilgees found in Shim elba camp in the Northern part of Ethiopia to
assess the livelihood strategies they deployed and to identijj, the determinant factors that
influence households' participation in gainful livelihood strategies. To achieve these
objectives, primwy data using questionnaire was collected Fom a total of 399 sample
household heads selected using probability proportionate stratified sampling procedure. In
addition to this, FGD was conducted with refugees and officials. Once the data was
collected, both descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data.
Accordingly, the result of descriptive statistics shows that majority of the respondents were
predominantly young adults aged ~ 33 years (57.9%), males (85.2%), single (45.4%), and
cameFom urban areas (64.9%). Furthermore, out of the total sample covered, 6J.2% were
involved in gainfitllivelihood activities andji'om these 63.5% were engaged in non-farming
activities (trade, employments, handicrafts, recreational centers, and selling of filel wood
and/or charcoal), while 36.5% were engaged on farming which constituted livestock
rearing, poultry production, and gardening. The result of bivariate analysis indicates that
ethnicity, place of residence in their countlY, and literacy status were found significantly
associated (p<O.OJ) with the types of livelihood strategies refilgees employed in the study
area. The result of logistic regression also depicts that demographic variables (age, family
size, and duration of stay in camp) and livelihood asset related variables (health status,
skill training, remittance, and previous employment status of respondents) were found
statistically significant (p<0.05) to influence household heads' participation in gainfitl
livelihood strategies. Finally possible recommendations aimed at enhancing refugees '
livelihood were also suggested.
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Keywords
Socio-Demographic Characteristics