Interplay of refugee influx and environmental degradation: a peace and conflict inquiry in Kyaka II Refugee Settlement

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of refugee inflow on the natural environment of host communities using a case of Kyaka II refugee settlement. In particular, the study sought to: examine the effect of refugee inflow on land and forest cover of host community; assess the effect of refugee inflow on water catchment areas of host community; and explore strategies for sustainable use of the natural environment in Kyaka II Refugee Settlement. This study used a Case Study research design coupled with a mixed methods research approach. The sample size of the study was 411 respondents determined using Krejcie and Morgan (1970) table. Systematic and purposive samplings were used to select respondents in the settlement and in the Office of the Prime Minister. The instruments used were a questionnaire and an interview guide. Quantitative data was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Scientists where descriptive statistics and regression analysis were employed. Qualitative data was analysed using content and narrative analysis based on selected themes of the study. It was established that there was a positive significant effect of refugee inflow on the destruction of land and forest cover of the settlement. The study also found out that refugee inflow greatly led to enormous destruction of water catchment areas, reducing the water supply to the refugees and host community. As a way of mitigating the destruction of the environment, the refugees and the host communities had developed strategies for sustainable use of natural environment in the settlement. The strategies included: promotion of participatory environmental planning with refugees being inclusive; sensitizing refugees on the dangers of unstainable use of natural resources; formulation of by law frameworks among the refugees to protect water catchment areas; formulation of environmental committees to regulate on the usage of natural resources; and lastly, promoting the use of fuel-efficient stoves among refugees. The study recommends that the management of Kyaka II refugee settlement and Office of the Prime Minister should curb the effect of refugee inflow on the natural resources of the host community through: promotion of participatory environmental planning by including refugees and host community; sensitizing refugees on the dangers of unstainable use of natural resources; formulation of sustainable by-law frameworks among the refugees to protect water catchment areas; formulation of environmental committees to regulate on the usage of natural resources; and promoting the use of fuel-efficient stoves among refugees and the host communities.