Livelihood activities: A determinate of refugees wellbeing. The case of refugees living in the East region of Cameroon

Abstract

This paper seeks to bring out the livelihood activities developed by refugees in this area and how these activities helped them tackle their health problems. The challenges they face in carrying out their daily activities are also exploited in this paper. In carrying out this research, a qualitative approach was used and the design was ethnographic. Information was gotten from 20 refugees living in this area, 5 health workers in the public and private sectors, 2 United Nations High Commission for Refugee (UNHCR) staff, and 4 other staff from Organizations such as Plan International and CARE. Vital information was also gotten from the local population.  This information was gotten with the help of interviews, focus group discussions and observation guides. Purposeful sampling was done to get participants for the study. It was realized that refugees from this country are faced with so many health challenges and need to come out with strategies that will enable them to stay in good health. Though some of the strategies that the refugees take negatively impact their well-being, what they actually want is to come out with their own activities that will enable them to  feel connected to their sources.