LIVELIHOOD SUSTAINABILITY AMONG FEMALE REFUGEES IN UGANDA: A SYNTHESIS REVIEW
Abstract
This review explores livelihood sustainability among female refugees in Uganda, focusing on the strategies they use, the challenges they face, and the support available to help them build economic empowerment and resilience. Female refugees navigate complex social, economic, and gender-specific barriers that often limit their path to self-reliance, yet they employ a variety of livelihood strategies in both rural settlements and urban areas. The study focuses on four key objectives: understanding the livelihood strategies of female refugees, examining the gendered constraints that affect their economic empowerment, assessing the role of humanitarian and development actors in supporting these efforts, and proposing recommendations for more effective, gender-responsive interventions. Drawing on a systematic review of literature, including peer-reviewed journals, organizational reports, and policy documents, the study identifies trends, successes, and gaps in current livelihood initiatives. Findings show that female refugees engage in both formal and informal activities such as small businesses, farming, and household-level income generation to sustain themselves. At the same time, barriers like limited access to capital, land ownership restrictions, social norms, and weak institutional support continue to hinder their progress. Humanitarian and development actors play a crucial role in offering training, financial support, and market access, but many interventions lack gender-sensitive approaches or fail to address local realities. Based on the evidence, the review proposes practical recommendations for strengthening gender-responsive programs that promote resilience, self-reliance, and social inclusion. Overall, this study offers insights for policymakers and practitioners aiming to create more equitable and sustainable livelihoods for female refugees in Uganda.
Key words: Livelihood, Sustainability, Female, Refugees, Uganda, Synthesis
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