ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF SOUTH SUDANESE REFUGEES ON HOST COMMUNITIES IN ITANG SPECIAL DISTRICT, GAMBELLA REGIONAL STATE, ETHIOPIA

In countries with large refugee settlements, such as Ethiopia, the effect of refugee settlement on host communities is certain. Thus, the Gambella region hosted 46,537 refugees in the Kule camp from 2016 to 2020. This has caused tremendous pressure on the host community by greatly impacting socioeconomic, environmental and political life. This study examines the environmental impacts of South Sudanese refugees following their arrival in the region, specifically focusing on the opening of the Kule refugee camp in Itang Special District, encompassing three kebeles. Employing a qualitative case study approach, the research utilized purposive sampling techniques. Data were collected from 20 key informants, and five group discussions with six participants were conducted. The study aimed to provide an analytical and interpretive qualitative analysis supplemented by relevant documents. It investigated the host communities' environmental concerns and perceptions. This approach allows for understanding the host communities' ongoing changes and the refugee settlement's initial impact. It highlights the need for the host country to clearly define its position on securing the local situation, allowing refugees to integrate with residents for mutual benefit. The findings indicate that refugees have brought with them challenges such as mismanaged waste, damage to public schools, displacement of host communities, prostitution, deforestation, and a significant loss of livestock, all of which have had severe adverse effects on the local economy.