Abstract:
This study sought to examine the effects of refugees in national security using Ulyankulu –
Kaliua, Tabora Region as case study. Specific objectives were to identify the leading factors
that influence the rise of refugees, to determine the socio-economic effects and the
environmental effects of refugees on national security. Securitization theory and social
integration theory were employed in this study. This study employed a case study research
design and a mixed-methods approach was employed. The population comprised two main
groups: 19,154 refugees and 125 individuals from host communities. The study used purposive
simple random sampling techniques. Primary data was collected using questionnaire and
interviews while secondary data was collected from existing sources. Quantitative data was
analyzed using descriptive statistics, inferential statistics, and correlation analysis aided by
SPSS version 26. The qualitative data gathered from interviews and other qualitative sources
was subjected to thematic analysis. The study revealed that political instability, economic factors
and armed conflicts influence the rise of refugees. The study also unveiled that refugee
populations compete with locals for resource and the overall security situation is affected by the
presence of refugees hence refugee populations potentially strain housing and infrastructure.
The study found that refugee populations have significant impact on local environmental
resources and refugee settlements often contribute to deforestation, habitat destruction hence
exacerbate soil erosion and land degradation. The study recommends Tabora Region establish
a comprehensive early warning system monitoring political instability, economic stressors, and
environmental degradation. This system should offer timely data to authorities and international
organizations, enabling proactive responses to potential refugee crises. Future research should
examine the effectiveness of humanitarian aid programs, investigating aid allocation's impact
on refugee communities and their host societies.
