THE ROLE OF NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS AND THEIR INTERVENTIONS IN REFUGEES' LIVELIHOOD AT AYSAITA CAMP, AFAR, ETHIOPIA.

ABSTRACT This study sought to investigate the role of non-governmental organizations and their interventions in creating sources of livelihood for refugees in Aysaita Camp, Afar, Ethiopia. The study specifically looked into the role of non-governmental organizations, the types of interventions aimed at improving livelihood opportunities for refugees, the gaps faced by refugees in accessing and benefiting from livelihood initiatives facilitated and possible solutions and recommend strategies for enhancing the sustainability and scalability of livelihood initiatives for refugees supported by NGO. Descriptive research design was deployed with a target population of 5755 drawn from 374 livelihood implementing projects. A simple random sampling was used to identify 374 respondents from the camp and community incentive workers. Six key informants for interview were purposively selected based on the knowledge of the study subject matter. The data collection tools were questionnaire through kobo toolbox and key informant interview. The data obtained through kobo toolbox has been analysed quantitatively using descriptive statistics, frequency, percentage, through SPSS version 20.0 software. The qualitative data analysis was thematically guided by the study objectives and the statements from the themes describe to the role, intervention, gaps and possible solutions for creating source of livelihood for refugees. The findings have shown that refugees face multiple, interconnected challenges in accessing and benefiting from livelihood initiatives facilitated by NGOs in Aysaita refugee camp. The key strategies for enhancing the sustainability and scalability of livelihood initiatives for refugees supported by NGO include advocating for legal reform, providing comprehensive support services, aligning skills development with market needs, improving access to finance, fostering community engagement, and leveraging technology. The study recommends that there is need for appropriate initiatives to be developed which support refugee livelihoods. The possibility of facilitating diversifying funds and credit access, undertaking more livelihood interventions considered as means to enhance the food security and to improve household income of the refugees.