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This book represents a pioneering attempt to reveal the diverse realities of refugees’ economic survival in a protracted refugee camp through the collation and analysis of original and up-to-date empirical materials.
Based on multi-sited fieldwork in West Africa over several years, the book provides valuable insights into refugees’ lived experiences of repatriation after protracted exile and their responses to the ending of refugee status – both crucial but under-researched issues in the existing scholarship.
By following the same refugee households over several years, including their post-refugee lives, the book provide a historical account of what it is like to be a protracted refugee in the Global South.
· The book integrates both qualitative and quantitative data, allowing more comprehensive analysis of refugees’ economic lives with compelling narratives and detailed numerical evidence.
List of contents
List of Illustrations
Acknowledgements
List of Abbreviations
Maps
Introduction: Buduburam: An Exemplary Refugee Camp?
Chapter 1. 'Guests Who Stayed Too Long': Refugee Lives in a Protracted Exile
Chapter 2. Economic Lives in Buduburam
Chapter 3. The Household Economy in the Camp
Chapter 4. Roots of Economic Stratification: A Historical Perspective
Chapter 5. Repatriation to Liberia: The 'Best' Solution for Refugees?
Chapter 6. The 'End' of Refugee Life? When Refugee Status Ceases
Chapter 7. Developing a Better Understanding of Livelihoods, Self-Reliance and Social Networks in Forced Migration Studies
Epilogue: Buduburam in 2015
References
Index
About the author
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.
Summary
The Myth of Self-Reliance 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.
Additional text
SHORTLISTED FOR THE 2018 BBC THINKING ALLOWED ETHNOGRAPHY AWARD
“Excellent in every respect… The work fills a major gap in the refugee studies literature, as there has been no previous book-length account of this particular refugee population or the topic under review (how refugees cope in the absence of humanitarian assistance). Unlike some anthropological accounts of refugee situations, the study is a delight to read, bereft of unnecessary theory and maintains a consistent focus on the refugees themselves.” · Jeff Crisp, Refugee Studies Centre, University of Oxford
“This is a very clear and well written work that brings to life a complex set of conditions and relations within and beyond the refugee camp which are often blurred or over-simplified in ways that have severe consequences for refugees themselves… it provides much needed insights into the historical roots and complex contemporary manifestations of socio-economic differentiation affecting the lives and livelihoods of refugees both in the refugee camp and when faced with the dilemmas of repatriation.” · Amanda Hammar, University of Copenhagen
“This is an engaging and carefully crafted book, which is detailed and includes refugees own voices and perspectives throughout, alongside quantitative analysis. It contributes to key debates, and is carefully referenced throughout.” · Elena Fiddian-Qasmiyeh, University College London
