The implication of refugees on the economic, demographic and environmental aspects among the local communities in Lobule Sub County, Koboko District

Abstract

This study investigated demographic, economic and environmental effects of refugees on the local community of Lobule Sub County in Koboko District. A cross-sectional design was used and data were collected from a random sample of 92 respondents. Mixed methods research approaches were employed, including household surveys, focus group discussions and key informant interviews. Data collection was mainly done with the help of semi-structured questionnaires. The main statistical procedures employed included descriptive statistics, independent samples t-test, chi-square test and logistic regression. Results showed that 93.2% of the married individuals that lived with their spouses were from host communities beyond 5km from Lobule refugee settlement, compared to the 92.6% within 5km. Monogamous marriages (75.0%) were higher among host communities beyond 5km compared to (66.7%) those within 5km from the refugee settlement. The percentage (92.6%) of refugees who are married to locals are higher in host communities within 5km compared to those (84.4%) beyond 5km from the settlement. Death rates were higher (60%) in host communities within in the 5km radius and least (27%) in communities beyond 5km radius. The number of live births was higher (averagely 5.28) in host communities within 5km and lower (averagely 4.29) in host communities beyond 5km radius from the settlement. Age at first marriage in host communities within 5 km was at 21.68 compared to 22.81years for host communities beyond 5 km radius. Monthly income in host communities within 5km was averagely 208,388UgX compared to 173,726UgX in host communities beyond 5km from the refugee settlement respectively. The monthly expenditure was 121,373 UgX and 114,282 in host communities within 5km, and beyond 5km from the refugee settlement, respectively. Majority of the respondents in host communities within 5km from the settlement (77.1%) perceived the occurrence of land competition compared to 67.5% from host communities beyond 5km. Occurrences of forest cover changes due to the presence of refugees were perceived and reported by 82.9% and 80.0 % of the respondents from host communities within 5km and those beyond 5km from Lobule refugee settlement, respectively. There is need to provide awareness, sex education strict laws on early marriages, improving social services, employment, and business opportunities, increasing environmental awareness, as well as environment friendly activities.