International Journal of Global Environmental Issues
Volume 11, Issue 3-4, 2011, Pages 271-298

Colombian refugees in Ecuador: Sampling schemes, migratory patterns and consequences for migrants (Article)

Bilsborrow R.E.* , Mena C.F. , Arguello E.
  • a Carolina Population Center, Department of Biostatistics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 123 W. Franklin St., Chapel Hill, NC 27516-2524, United States
  • b School of Life and Biological Sciences, Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Diego de Robles y Vía Interoceánica, Cumbaya, Quito, Ecuador
  • c Centro de Estudios sobre Poblacion y Desarrollo Social, Toribio Montes 423 y Danile Hidalgo, Quito, Ecuador

Abstract

Methods for the design of samples to collect data on migrants as 'rare elements' are applied to Colombians migrating to Ecuador. With an upsurge in violence in Colombia beginning in the late 1990s, Colombians fled in increasing numbers to Ecuador, especially to Sucumbios in the Ecuadorian Amazon, an area of extraordinary biodiversity. These migrants comprise both asylum-seekers and traditional economic migrants. Despite the large influx, they still constitute a tiny part of the Ecuadorian population, creating the need to use 'rare elements' sampling methods. A household survey was carried out in 2006 in the five provinces found (2001 census) to have the largest proportion of Colombians. The main probability sample was supplemented by a snowball sample, with problems encountered described, and lessons learned. Key findings are summarised, comparing Colombians migrating to Ecuador voluntarily and involuntarily. Environmental effects of these migrants are minimal as most move to urban areas. © 2011 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd.

Author Keywords

Economic welfare Rare populations Household survey International migrants Colombia Sampling Refugees Ecuador

Index Keywords

international migration violence probability environmental effect Ecuador Colombia refugee sampling economic impact Sucumbios welfare economics household survey
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84857267894&doi=10.1504%2fIJGENVI.2011.044561&partnerID=40&md5=5eea4cf1ced75af73b8e568bf1ca051e
DOI: 10.1504/IJGENVI.2011.044561
ISSN: 14666650
Cited by: 1
Original Language: English