Assessing the impacts of the forced relocation of migrents on their social relations, wellbeing, and integration in Malawi: a case of Dzaleka

Abstract

This thesis focuses on assessing the impacts of the forced relocation of migrants in Malawi. Specifically, the study tries to understand how this relocation affected the social relations, wellbeing, and integration prospects of the refugees encamped at Dzaleka refugee camp in Dowa, Malawi. It further tries to identify some of the social networks which the refugees developed and the support systems which benefitted from while they were illegally staying outside the camp. Finally it focuses on assessing the attitudes of native Malawians towards refugees. The study was qualitative and employed focus group discussions as the preferred interviewing method. It uses Robert Putnam’s social capital theory to analyze and understand these refugee social networks. The study found that the relocation removed the refugees from their important social networks, essentially removing their social capital. It also found that micro-finance groups, prayer groups and casual friendships were vital sources of social support to the refugees. Finally, it showed that there were mixed attitudes towards refugees in Malawi. The study, therefore, makes recommendations on creating strategies that enhance refugee integration, language acquisition, and the implementation of the Comprehensive Refugee Response Framework (CRRF).