Identifying Barriers to Achieving Self-Reliance of Anglophone Cameroonian Refugees in Ogoja Settlements, Cross River State, Nigeria

Background: The ongoing Anglophone crisis in Cameroon has led to a significant influx of refugees into neighboring Nigeria, with many settling in Ogoja, Cross River State. Self-reliance frameworks in refugee contexts are generally implemented to empower refugees to independently meet their basic needs without relying on humanitarian aid, while also ensuring they do not become a burden to host communities. However, refugees often face numerous barriers in achieving self-reliance, including language barriers, cultural differences, and limited access to resources. Objective: This study investigated barriers to achieving self-reliance for Cameroonian refugees in Ogoja settlements, Cross River State, Nigeria.Method: The study employed a descriptive cross-sectional survey design and a mixed-methods approach. Data were collected through structured questionnaire, focus group discussions, and interviews. Descriptive statistics were used to present the survey data, while qualitative data were analysed through content analysis.Results: The findings reveal that key barriers to achieving self-reliance for refugees include the location of settlements (88.3%) and the lack of adequate policies by the host government to address refugees’ needs (87.0%), among other factors.Conclusion: The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) self-reliance initiatives exist but are constrained by global reductions in humanitarian budgets, which severely affect the feasibility of these initiatives.Unique Contribution: This study offers insights into the self-reliance initiatives of refugees in settlements and identifies the barriers to their success. The findings will assist stakeholders in adopting strategies that incorporate Sustainable Livelihood Approach (SLA) principles when planning self-reliance initiatives.Key Recommendation: The study recommends that regional and state governments implement measures to manage the influx of refugees and that the host government takes a more proactive role in supporting self-reliance initiatives, rather than leaving this responsibility solely to UNHCR.