Refugee survival and NGO project assistance: Mozambican refugees in Malawi
Zetter, R.
Community Development Journal 31(3): 214-229
1996
ISSN/ISBN: 0010-3802 DOI: 10.1093/cdj/31.3.214Document Number: 323965
The paper retrospectively examines the impact of developmentally-orientated NGO projects on Mozambican refugee survival in Malawi. The study is based on empirical data collected by extensive open-ended interviews with a cross section of encamped and self-settled refugee households. In addition an extensive interview programme with government officials and NGO staff delivering the assistance programme was conducted. Five limitations are elaborated: unresponsiveness to local economic conditions and skills; inadequate methods of recruitment; production, business plan and marketing constraints and lack of sustainability; limited participation and the imposition of management ideologies; gender inequalities and inadequate gender-related policies. The analysis of these shortcomings offers guidance to the mobilisation of development projects in future large-scale refugee situations.