Prospective Interventions for reducing the vulnerability of communities in post-disaster resettlement, a case of Bunambutye camp, Eastern Uganda

Abstract

This study explored the prospects of reducing the vulnerability of communities in post-disaster resettlement, a case of Bunambutye camp in Eastern Uganda. Using a participatory research approach, 20 participants were engaged in mini-Delphi iterative meetings that determined and validated relevant livelihood skills necessary to reduce vulnerability. The world indicator of skills for employment theoretical framework was used to understand and identify various skills needed by resettled communities. This was coupled with the livelihood programming model which provided a conceptual lens into livelihood capitals that survivors utilize to produce various livelihood characteristics. Both Interpretive and descriptive research designs were used to gather qualitative and quantitative data. A Delphi tool containing structured interviews was utilized to gather the views of the participants on the objectives of the study which included: - skills possessed by the survivors, current skills valued and needed but missing in the resettlement and prospective mitigation strategies to bridge the skill gaps. Results from exploratory data analysis done using Statistical Package for Social Scientists version 20 revealed survivors possessed limited livelihood skills thus exposed to socio-economic and livelihood vulnerability. Lack of skills training institutions was sighted as a contributing factor. The survivors considered reskilling, cross-skilling, or up-skilling on relevant livelihood skills. There is a projection of entrepreneurship, project-based work, products, and services being profitable sectors in the future. The study concludes that though the survivors possess farm-based skills, there are gaps in other crop and animal husbandry practices. We recommend the establishment of skills-based training institutions within the resettlement that should train survivors using content customized to address current and future needs hence ensuring self-sufficiency, reliance, and livelihood sustainability through outcomes like increased disposable incomes and wellbeing of the survivors in the resettlement.