International Social Work
Volume 60, Issue 3, 2017, Pages 667-682

Environmental risk: Urban refugees’ struggles to build livelihoods in South Africa (Article)

Crea T.M.* , Loughry M. , O’Halloran C. , Flannery G.J.
  • a Boston College, United States
  • b Boston College, United States
  • c Boston College, United States
  • d Boston College, United States

Abstract

Urban South Africa is a major destination for refugees across sub-Saharan Africa. Based on interviews with urban refugees, this study identified significant barriers to achieving livelihood security for this population, including community violence, crowding, fear of xenophobia, exploitation from officials and oversaturated markets for small businesses. Nevertheless, refugees identified several aspects of service provision from a non-governmental organization which proved helpful, especially through material assistance in helping establish viable, profit-generating small businesses. Recommendations for service delivery to this population include assessing refugees’ level of environmental vulnerability and providing a package of supports that address a clients’ particular living situation. © The Author(s) 2016.

Author Keywords

Self-reliance Urban refugees Livelihoods South Africa

Index Keywords

[No Keywords available]
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85018741628&doi=10.1177%2f0020872816631599&partnerID=40&md5=08fc656f6ad04086f4417f2e0bda31c1
DOI: 10.1177/0020872816631599
ISSN: 00208728
Cited by: 4
Original Language: English