CAMP MANAGEMENT AND THE RIGHT TO FOOD FOR ELDERLY REFUGEES: A CASE STUDY OF NYARUGUSU REFUGEE CAMP, KASULU DISTRICT IN TANZANIA

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine how camp management ensures the right to food for elderly refugees in Nyarugusu Refugee Camp, Kasulu District in Tanzania. Materials and Methods: The study adopted a mixed method research design. The study target population was 4,080 elderly refugees aged sixty years and above and 21 senior camp managers.  Stratified and purposive sampling techniques were used to obtain the sample for the study. Krejicie and Morgani (1970), was used to obtain a sample of 344 elderly respondents and purposive sampling to select 21 senior camp managers. The study used questionnaires and in-depth interview guide to collect primary data. The collected quantitative data was analyzed with the aid of SPSS using descriptive statistics such as mean, standard deviation, frequency and percentage. The qualitative data collected using interview guides was analyzed thematically using content analysis. The results were presented in tables, charts and bars. Results: The study found that most of the elderly refugees involved in the study had no idea what camp management entailed. The study also found that most of the elderly refugees aged 60 years and above in Nyarugusu Refugee Camp Kasulu District in Tanzania were not able to find all the food they would have liked. Further, the study found that satisfactorily nutritional status is paramount so as to meet the dietary needs of the elderly. The study also found that overcrowding in Nyarugusu Refugee Camp, Kasulu District in Tanzania was hindering the ability of the camp management to provide the elderly with sufficient food to a very great extent. Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: The study recommended that there is need for the camp management in Nyarugusu Refugee Camp, Kasulu District in Tanzania to create awareness amongst refugees themselves and humanitarian organizations, and risk assessment and interventions to improve access to an adequate and appropriate diet for the elderly refugees aged 60 years and above.