The Myth of Self-Reliance: Economic Lives Inside a Liberian Refugee Camp - Paperback

by Naohiko Omata (Author)

For many refugees, economic survival in refugee camps is extraordinarily difficult. Drawing on both qualitative and quantitative research, this volume challenges the reputation of a 'self-reliant' model given to Buduburam refugee camp in Ghana and sheds light on considerable economic inequality between refugee households.By following the same refugee households over several years, The Myth of Self-Reliance also provides valuable insights into refugees' experiences of repatriation to Liberia after protracted exile and their responses to the ending of refugee status for remaining refugees in Ghana.

Author Biography

Naohiko Omata is Associate Professor at the Refugee Studies Centre, University of Oxford. Based on extensive research in Sub-Saharan Africa, Naohiko has published widely on refugee livelihoods, rights and repatriation including a co-authored book Refugee Economies: Forced Displacement and Development (2016) and articles in the Journal of Refugee Studies, Journal of Ethnic and Migration Studies and Community Development Journal. Previously, he worked as a practitioner and consultant for UNDP, UNHCR and international and local NGOs in various Sub-Saharan African countries.