Re:BUiLD Reports

Research Symposium Papers

We invite you to explore the insightful research papers presented at the Re:BUiLD Research Symposium held on October 15–16, 2024, in Nairobi, Kenya. These papers highlight key findings on enhancing the livelihoods of refugees and host communities in Kenya, Uganda, and Ethiopia. Topics covered during the symposium include access to finance, microenterprises, social protection, employment, skills development, justice, and legal identity.



Research Symposium Papers



Designing a Randomized Controlled Trial on Livelihoods for Refugees and Hosts: The Case of Re:BUiLD in Kampala

Designing a Randomized Controlled Trial on Livelihoods for Refugees and Hosts: The Case of Re:BUiLD in Kampala

Few livelihood programs for refugees are rigorously evaluated. While findings among other populations are informative, the effects among refugees could differ significantly. This paper outlines our process for jointly developing a livelihood program and randomized study design in Kampala, Uganda. We first review rigorous evidence on interventions targeting wage and selfemployment in low- and middle-income countries.
Influence of Drought on Livelihoods’ Adaptive strategies of refugees with physical disabilities in Kakuma refugee camp

Influence of Drought on Livelihoods’ Adaptive strategies of refugees with physical disabilities in Kakuma refugee camp

Climate change is increasing the frequency, intensity, and severity of droughts in Kaku ma refugee camp in Kenya. This has an impact on the livelihoods of refugee youth with physical disabilities (RYWPDs), who have more limited livelihood options than other refugees due to their physical disability and who face significant social and infrastructural factors.
Briefing note - The Global Refugee Forum Multi-stakeholder Pledge on EISP and the Intersection with GRF Policy and Evidence Pledge Initiatives in Ethiopia, Kenya, and Uganda

Briefing note: The Global Refugee Forum Multi-stakeholder Pledge on Economic Inclusion and Social Protection and the Intersection with GRF Policy and Evidence Pledge Initiatives in Ethiopia, Kenya, and Uganda

The Global Refugee Forum Pledge on Economic Inclusion and Social Protection is a multi-stakeholder initiative involving 270 pledges by supporters and committed investments of over 1 billion USD; 88 states are involved in the pledge, including Ethiopia, Kenya, and Uganda.
Assessing effects of targeted capacity-building and inclusive financing on livelihoods in Kakuma, Kenya

Assessing effects of targeted capacity-building and inclusive financing on livelihoods in Kakuma, Kenya

This research investigates the impact of Inkomoko’s capacity-building and inclusive financing interventions on refugee-owned micro, small and medium sized enterprises (MSMEs) in Kakuma, Kenya. Motivated by the inadequacies of traditional aid in addressing the growing refugee crisis and economic instability, the study explores how targeted support can drive sustainable livelihoods through private sector solutions.
Cash covid-19 and aid cuts - a mixed method impact evaluaton among South Sudanese refugees registered in Kiryandongo settlement Uganda

Cash covid-19 and aid cuts - a mixed method impact evaluaton among South Sudanese refugees registered in Kiryandongo settlement Uganda

Objectives: In this paper, we estimate the impact after 4–8 months of a large one- off unconditional cash transfer delivered to refugees during a time of dual shocks: the COVID- 19 pandemic and cuts to monthly aid. We focus on four key outcomes: (1) health- seeking behaviour; (2) COVID- 19 specific preventive health practices; (3) food security and (4) psychological wellbeing.
Economic penalties for refugees running businesses in Nairobi - “I’d rather pay for the tea” – bribes and refugee livelihoods in Nairobi

Economic penalties for refugees running businesses in Nairobi - “I’d rather pay for the tea” – bribes and refugee livelihoods in Nairobi

In Nairobi, businesses owned by refugees are more affected by financial hardship than those owned by Kenyans. In particular, the culture of harassment, arbitrary arrest and extortion of people operating businesses in the city by inspecting officers and police affects refugees disproportionately.