TY - JOUR
T1 - Supporting self-reliance for displaced and host populations
T2 - insights from the Self-Reliance Index across 16 countries
AU - Stark, Lindsay
AU - Jorgenson Diener, Kari
AU - Leeson, Kellie
AU - Singh, Simar
AU - Meerdink, Ned
AU - Seff, Ilana
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
© Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2025. Re-use permitted under CC BY-NC. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ Group.
PY - 2025/12/11
Y1 - 2025/12/11
N2 - Objective To examine household-level patterns of self-reliance among forcibly displaced and host populations using the Self-Reliance Index (SRI) and identify opportunities for strengthening humanitarian programming, policy frameworks and service delivery systems that support sustainable well-being. Methods This secondary analysis draws on data from 7850 households collected by 10 organisations across 16 countries between 2020 and 2024. The SRI assesses self-reliance across 12 domains. We analysed baseline and longitudinal data disaggregated by camp and non-camp settings using descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings Baseline SRI scores were low overall (mean=2.21, SD=0.81, scale 1–5), indicating unmet essential needs and high reliance on external assistance. Among 1962 households assessed longitudinally, non-camp households demonstrated significant improvements (p<0.001) in employment (+0.66), financial resources (+0.0.60), debt reduction (+1.05) and savings (+1.21). Camp-based households, in contrast, showed minimal improvements, with some domains declining. Conclusion These findings highlight the potential for targeted programming in non-camp environments to foster household resilience. Policy reforms, multisectoral investments and inclusive development strategies are essential to support sustainable self-reliance among displaced populations and host communities.
AB - Objective To examine household-level patterns of self-reliance among forcibly displaced and host populations using the Self-Reliance Index (SRI) and identify opportunities for strengthening humanitarian programming, policy frameworks and service delivery systems that support sustainable well-being. Methods This secondary analysis draws on data from 7850 households collected by 10 organisations across 16 countries between 2020 and 2024. The SRI assesses self-reliance across 12 domains. We analysed baseline and longitudinal data disaggregated by camp and non-camp settings using descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings Baseline SRI scores were low overall (mean=2.21, SD=0.81, scale 1–5), indicating unmet essential needs and high reliance on external assistance. Among 1962 households assessed longitudinally, non-camp households demonstrated significant improvements (p<0.001) in employment (+0.66), financial resources (+0.0.60), debt reduction (+1.05) and savings (+1.21). Camp-based households, in contrast, showed minimal improvements, with some domains declining. Conclusion These findings highlight the potential for targeted programming in non-camp environments to foster household resilience. Policy reforms, multisectoral investments and inclusive development strategies are essential to support sustainable self-reliance among displaced populations and host communities.
KW - Global Health
UR - https://www.scopus.com/pages/publications/105024912321
U2 - 10.1136/bmjgh-2025-021125
DO - 10.1136/bmjgh-2025-021125
M3 - Article
C2 - 41381209
AN - SCOPUS:105024912321
SN - 2059-7908
VL - 10
JO - BMJ Global Health
JF - BMJ Global Health
IS - 12
M1 - e021125
ER -