An Analysis of the Physical and Socio-economic vulnerability in post-disaster resettlement: Case Study of Bunambutye camp, Eastern Uganda

Abstract

To control the problems that have resulted from landslides affecting Mt. Elgon slopes in Eastern Uganda, the Government has created planned resettlement schemes to resettle over 100,000 people from the landslide-prone areas. Whereas resettlement is viewed as an important tool in alleviating problems associated with disasters, studies have indicated that planned resettlement schemes expose people to risks of impoverishment. This study analysed physical and socio-economic vulnerability in post-disaster resettlement, a case of Bunambutye resettlement Camp in Eastern Uganda. The study adopted a participatory research approach in which participants had control over the research process and agenda. Participatory household surveys were conducted with 140 respondents. This was complemented with key informant interviews, focus group discussions and field walk observations to elicit the necessary data. Utilizing SPSS version 20, univariate graphical and non-graphical exploratory data analysis based on measures of central tendency and dispersion together with content analysis suggest that households are faced with physical and socio-economic vulnerability. In response, households engage in unsustainable practices like seasonal movements from the camp as a coping strategy to mitigate the risks. To address these, we recommend resettlement projects pay attention to the needs of different social groups during the resettlement process and provide incentives that broaden the livelihood opportunities of resettled households.