2013年-世界发展银行全球_Supporting_the_Livelihoods_of_Internally_Displaced_Persons_in_Georgia___A_Review_of_Current_Practices_and_Lessons_Learned_54页_1mb

Summary of Supporting the Livelihoods of Internally Displaced Persons in Georgia

Core Content

This report reviews the current practices and lessons learned in supporting the livelihoods of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Georgia, focusing on the challenges and opportunities for sustainable livelihood development. It highlights the impact of past conflicts in the 1990s and 2008, which caused significant displacement, and outlines the need for a comprehensive, integrated approach to address IDP livelihoods beyond project-based interventions.

Main Points

• Displacement Background:

  • The early 1990s conflicts in Abkhazia and South Ossetia led to the displacement of approximately 215,000 ethnic Georgians, referred to as "Old Case Load" (OCL) IDPs.
  • The 2008 conflict displaced an additional 156,000 people, known as "New Case Load" (NCL) IDPs.
  • As of 2013, around 270,000 IDPs remain affected, with high unemployment rates and reliance on state subsidies.

• Livelihood Support Overview:

  • The Georgian government has adopted a State Strategy for IDPs (2007) and is now developing a complementary livelihood strategy.
  • The Ministry of Refugees and IDPs (MRA) is playing a more central role in coordinating livelihood support, moving away from NGO-led initiatives.
  • Current livelihood support projects include four main types: donations, education, financial support, and community mobilization.

• Key Challenges:

  1. Access to Land:
     • IDPs often lack access to land, which is crucial for agriculture and income generation.
     • Land allocation policies are inconsistently applied, and many IDPs are hesitant to rent due to mistrust and poor knowledge.
     • Poor land quality and lack of infrastructure and market access hinder profitable agricultural activity.
  2. Access to Financial Services:
     • Many IDPs lack collateral, making it difficult to access loans.
     • High interest rates and lack of legal certainty in some regions further restrict financial opportunities.
     • NGOs have introduced microcredit schemes and cost-sharing programs to support IDPs.
  3. Social Capital:
     • Displacement disrupts traditional social networks, reducing employment opportunities.
     • Collective centers (CCs) can isolate IDPs and reduce social interaction.
     • Access to education and social spaces can help rebuild social capital.
  4. Skills and Knowledge:
     • IDPs often lack relevant skills for the job market.
     • Vocational education and training (VET) programs have improved in quality, incorporating life skills and market needs.
     • Programs that align with employer demands are more effective.
  5. Psychosocial Issues and Aid Dependency:
     • IDPs face psychological stress due to loss of home, identity, and employment.
     • High dependency on state subsidies can discourage employment.
     • Psychosocial support and project-based investment are recommended to reduce dependency and improve outcomes.
  6. Extreme Vulnerability:
     • Some IDPs live in extreme poverty and are at risk of losing livelihood assets due to sudden shocks.
     • These individuals are often overlooked by NGOs due to the difficulty in measuring success.
     • Tailored, incremental support strategies are needed to address their needs.

Key Recommendations

• Land Access:

  • Conduct a survey on land allocation for IDPs, including its quality.
  • Include IDPs in land reclamation and distribution schemes.
  • Support IDPs' understanding of and confidence in land rental.

• Financial Services:

  • NGOs should strengthen local microfinance capacity and improve IDPs' credit management skills.
  • Use value chain analysis (VCA) to identify business opportunities and support IDPs in accessing financial resources.

• Social Capital:

  • Encourage community mobilization to bring IDPs and host communities together.
  • Incorporate social spaces into new housing designs to foster interaction and community building.
  • Further research is needed to understand the role of social capital in IDP livelihoods.

• Skills and Knowledge:

  • Ensure VET programs include life skills and are aligned with market requirements.
  • Provide up-skilling and expectations management support for IDPs.
  • Expand access to vocational training for all IDPs, including older individuals.

• Psychosocial and Dependency:

  • Integrate psychosocial support into livelihood programs.
  • Use case management and counseling to improve outcomes.
  • The government should clarify the means-testing system and increase IDP allowances and targeted social assistance (TSA).

• Extreme Vulnerability:

  • Develop tailored strategies for EVIDPs, including mentoring and incremental support.
  • Conduct research on Georgian poverty and vulnerability to inform EVIDP programs.
  • A multiyear approach is recommended to move IDPs from extreme vulnerability to independence.

Opportunities

• Agricultural Growth:

  • Potential for increased agricultural exports due to decreasing tensions with Russia.
  • Government agricultural subsidy schemes can support IDPs who are producers, even if they lack land or collateral.

• Policy and Program Development:

  • A national review of IDP financial status is needed to inform future policies.
  • Strengthening the Livelihood Legal Entity of Public Law (LEPL) under the MRA can help coordinate and enhance livelihood support.

• Integrated Approach:

  • Strategic partnerships between NGOs, government, and international actors are essential.
  • Cross-sectoral support is necessary to ensure durable solutions and sustainable livelihoods.

Conclusion

The report emphasizes the need for a holistic, sustainable approach to supporting IDP livelihoods in Georgia. It advocates for the integration of economic, social, and psychological support, as well as the development of more inclusive and effective policies and programs. By addressing the six key challenges and leveraging opportunities, Georgia can move towards a more resilient and self-sufficient IDP population.