Refugee aid and development: Towards making an effective link in the Horn of Africa

Refugees have been a constant issue in the Horn of Africa for the past 30 years. The traditional approach to assisting refugees in this area has been oriented towards short-term relief aid. Yet, refugee situations have extended past the relief phase in many Horn countries and a new approach is needed to alleviate the burden on host countries. This study examines the evolution of the concept of refugee aid and development, provides an analytical framework and discusses three cases which have attempted to apply this concept. This thesis finds that in order to make any progress in dealing with refugee situations in the Horn what is needed first is a new resolve to attack the causes of refugee movements and to use participatory strategies to take better advantage of the energies and needs of the refugees and the affected host populations. (Abstract shortened with permission of author.).