The Effect of Refugees in National Security:

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.