Displacement and Disconnection? Exploring the Role of Social Networks in the Livelihoods of Refugees in Gaziantep, Nairobi, and Peshawar

Building on original quantitative and qualitative fieldwork in three refugee hosting cities – Nairobi, Gaziantep, and Peshawar—this study explores the role of social networks in furthering or hampering displaced persons’ ability to achieve self-reliance. Experiences are diverse, but several general findings emerge:

• Group membership is remarkably low;
• Social networks are an invaluable asset for many but are either unavailable or a hindrance for others;
• The in-group networks that initially offer protection become less effective in the long-term; and
• Economic security is closely depending on people’s ability to forge connections beyond co-nationals.