Declining Humanitarian Funding
Impacts on Economic and Food Security Among Rohingya Refugees and Host Communities in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.57947/qrp.v64i2.215Keywords:
Rohingya refugees, host communities, economic security, food insecurity, humanitarian aid, Cox's BazarAbstract
The ongoing Rohingya refugee crisis in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh, has intensified due to declining humanitarian funding, affecting both refugees and host communities. Despite continued international support, severe economic and food insecurity challenges threaten social cohesion and regional stability. This study examines the impact of reduced humanitarian aid on the economic and food security of Rohingya refugees and host communities. It also explores aid dependency, labor market shifts, and coping strategies. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining 106 surveys, five focus group discussions, and ten key informant interviews in Ukhiya and Teknaf Upazilas. The analysis was guided by a human security framework informed by Sen’s Capability Approach, Relative Deprivation Theory, and Burden-Sharing Theory. Reductions in humanitarian aid profoundly impacted economic security, resulting in wage declines from Bangladeshi Taka (BDT) 550 to BDT 300–350 and a contraction in employment opportunities. Host communities have faced intensified competition, and aid dependency has grown among refugees. Simultaneously, food security deteriorated due to cuts in monthly food rations in 2023, before being restored in 2024. These reductions constrained access to adequate food and reduced dietary diversity, with 72% of Rohingya households falling below the minimum food expenditure level, contributing to a Global Acute Malnutrition rate of 15.1%, the highest since 2017. Both communities resorted to harmful coping mechanisms, such as borrowing and reducing meals. Additionally, psychological stress among refugees, linked to loss of dignity, has been reported despite ongoing aid. These findings underscore the urgent need for sustained humanitarian funding, inclusive livelihood programs, and policy adaptation to promote resilience and equity. This study provides insights into dual vulnerability patterns and the psychosocial toll of protracted crises, offering guidance for more sustainable and inclusive humanitarian responses.
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