Resilience and Economic Inclusion of Refugees: The Case of Nigerian Refugees in the Far North Region

Abstract

The article discusses the challenges facing refugees in Cameroon, particularly those in the Minawao camp, as a result of the humanitarian crisis and their situation of vulnerability. Cameroon is home to a large number of refugees, mainly from the Central African Republic and Nigeria, and is facing increasing pressure on its natural and social resources. The Minawao refugee camp is overcrowded and faces problems of food insecurity, water shortages and lack of arable land, compounded by a lack of infrastructure and humanitarian funding. The economic inclusion of refugees, through access to resources such as employment, training and financial services, is seen as a potential solution to improve their situation. By integrating refugees into the local economy, it would be possible to improve their food security and strengthen their resilience in the face of crises. The article refers to economic and social theories arguing that economic inclusion can reduce poverty and improve refugees' living conditions, by enabling them to access resources to meet their basic needs. The study's hypotheses are that economic inclusion could have a positive impact on food security (by giving refugees access to diversified, nutritious food) and on their resilience in the face of environmental and socio-economic challenges.This approach would aim to reduce refugees' dependence on humanitarian aid, enabling them to become more self-reliant. Finally, the article calls for sustainable initiatives, such as natural resource management and the creation of local economic opportunities, to improve the lives of refugees while minimizing tensions with host communities.