Exploring Potential Opportunities for the Malawi Government to Implement the Encampment Policy; Experiences from the Dzaleka Refugee Camp of Malawi

Abstract

The global refugee crisis has displaced over 42 million people as of 2023, driven by conflicts, natural disasters, and socio-economic challenges. Encampment policies, widely used to manage refugee populations, aim to centralize aid distribution and maintain security. However, these policies often lead to overcrowding, dependency on aid, and restricted autonomy. Malawi’s Refugee Act of 1989 exemplifies this, with Dzaleka Refugee Camp, initially designed for 12,000 people, now hosting over 50,600, straining resources and infrastructure. This study explores opportunities to improve Malawi’s encampment policy through a qualitative approach, incorporating interviews, focus group discussions, and document analysis. Findings reveal significant challenges, including weak enforcement, inadequate infrastructure, and limited access to livelihoods. Drawing on regional and global best practices, the study identifies reforms such as stronger NGO partnerships, expanded education and employment opportunities, and infrastructure improvements to mitigate overcrowding and dependency. By advocating for rights-based, sustainable solutions, the study emphasizes aligning Malawi’s policy with international standards. These reforms are crucial for addressing immediate humanitarian needs while fostering long-term resilience, self-reliance, and social integration for both refugees and host communities.

Overview

This study explores opportunities to improve Malawi’s encampment policy through a qualitative approach, incorporating interviews, focus group discussions, and document analysis. The research focuses on the Dzaleka Refugee Camp, which was initially designed for 12,000 people but now hosts over 50,600, creating significant challenges for resource management and infrastructure.

Key Areas Covered

• Current encampment policy challenges
• Infrastructure and resource management
• Livelihood opportunities
• Education and employment access
• NGO partnerships and support
• International standards alignment
• Social integration approaches

Methodology

• Qualitative research approach
• In-depth interviews
• Focus group discussions
• Document analysis
• Comparative policy review
• Stakeholder consultations

Key Findings

The study reveals:

• Significant challenges in policy enforcement
• Inadequate infrastructure for current population
• Limited access to livelihood opportunities
• Need for stronger NGO partnerships
• Opportunities for policy reform
• Potential for improved social integration

Recommendations

The study proposes several reforms:

• Enhanced NGO partnerships
• Expanded education and employment opportunities
• Infrastructure improvements
• Rights-based policy approaches
• Sustainable solutions for long-term resilience
• Better integration with host communities

Significance

This research is crucial for:

• Addressing immediate humanitarian needs
• Fostering long-term resilience
• Promoting self-reliance
• Improving social integration
• Aligning with international standards
• Informing policy development

Access

The full article is available through the International Journal of Advanced Multidisciplinary Research and Studies (ISSN: 2583-049X).